Chest wall defect and chronic pleural infection: surgical treatment with thoracomyoplasty and open window thoracostomy

Jpn J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2006 Sep;54(9):402-4. doi: 10.1007/s11748-006-0016-3.

Abstract

We report a rare case of a 75-year-old hemiplegic man with a chronic pleural infection, a bronchopleural fistula, and a full-thickness defect of the chest. In one operation we performed open-window thoracostomy and pleural decortication as well as reconstruction of the chest defect and reclosure of the bronchopleural fistula with a latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The patient made a good recovery and was sent for rehabilitation in good condition. Surgical treatment was essential to control and ultimately halt the septic process. Use of a muscle transplant in a hemiplegic patient did not reduce mobility.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bronchial Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Bronchial Fistula / surgery
  • Chronic Disease
  • Empyema, Tuberculous / diagnostic imaging
  • Empyema, Tuberculous / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / surgery*
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Thoracic Wall / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Wall / surgery*
  • Thoracoplasty* / methods
  • Thoracostomy*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed