title: Diaphragm mobilization for closure of chest wall defects.
abstract: Locally disseminated breast carcinoma after a simple or radical mastectomy and radiotherapy causes serious surgical problems. Excision of the chest wall obliterates the negative intrapleural pressure, and wound healing within a previously irradiated area is notoriously poor. A new method is described in which the diaphragm is mobilized and reinserted into the defect to allow final resurfacing with a skin graft or locally rotated skin flap. This simple surgical method is advocated when the prognosis is poor and breast reconstruction is not being considered.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery