Complex chest wall wound managed by a novel technique of thoracoplasty

Abstract

Thoracoplasty is a procedure to collapse the chest wall over a residual space in the thoracic cavity in order to abolish and avoid the complications associated with this dead space. Although effective in achieving this, the procedure is crippled by poor cosmetic appearance and functional outcome. We report a case of recalcitrant complex chest wall defect with a large cavity, marred by visible heart and poor availability of local muscles, that was successfully managed by a novel technique of thoracoplasty with acceptable postoperative appearance and function.

Keywords: cardiothoracic surgery; general surgery; plastic and reconstructive surgery.