Sternal Tumor Resection And Chest Wall Reconstruction: An Analysis Of 19 Cases

Objective:We reviewed some cases,who had received sternal tumor resection and simultaneous chest wall reconstruction,to summarize the experience and investigate the result.Methods:From January 2000 to December 2008,a total of 19 adults with sternal tumor were collected,including 10 males and 9 famales with the mean age 51.5 year-old.Tumors arisen from manubrium,body of strenum and sternal angle were observed in 7,9 and 3 patients,respectively.Results:They all received chest wall reconstruction after sternal tumor resection.In 16 patients(84.2%) the extended resection was done,and in the remaining 3 patients(15.8%) it was palliative.The chest wall was reconstructed with Pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps in 5 patients, autogenous ilium grafts in 8 patients and autogenous rib grafts in 6 patients.Drainage tube was placed at operative site in 16 patients.Benign tumors were discovered in 8 patients by histopathology while primary malignant tumors were discovered in 5 cases and metastatic in 6.There were no perioperative deaths and early postoperative complications.The median hospitalization was 15.8 days(range,7 to 39 days) and postoperative hospital stay was 8.3 days(range,4 to 19 days).Remove drainage tube in 2.6 days(range,1 to 6 days) after operation.There were nothing abnormal detected during 6-month to 1 year follow-up period.Conclusions:Sternal resection followed by chest wall reconstruction is considered to be a safe and effective treatment for reserving integrity and stability of chest wall.