title: Preoperative evaluation and general preparation for chest-wall operations.
abstract: Chest-wall reconstruction is a major procedure with a risk of life-threatening complications. Accurate preoperative assessment is therefore critical, as it allows detection and treatment of correctable problems and permits the surgeon to individualize postoperative management. Risk factors may be cardiovascular, pulmonary, or nutritional. The guiding principle of planning for the reconstruction is that there must be absolutely no tension at the site of the full-thickness defect in the chest wall.
authors.affiliation: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Azarow
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Molloy
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Seyfer
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Graeber
mesh_terms: D006331:Heart Diseases; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases; D008487:Medical History Taking; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013903:Thoracic Surgery / Q000379:methods