Reconstruction of thoracic wall defects after tumor resection using a polytetrafluoroethylene soft tissue (Gore-Tex) patch.
BACKGROUND
Recently, there have been a few reports recommending use of a 2 mm thick polytetrafluoroethylene soft tissue (Gore-Tex) patch for repair of thoracic wall defects. The potential role of these Gore-Tex patches was examined.


METHODS
Five patients underwent chest wall tumor resection with thoracic wall reconstruction using a Gore-Tex patch (2 mm). We present a review of the complications experienced by five patients with Gore-Tex patches, as well as a review of the literature.


RESULTS
Functionally and cosmetically, satisfactory results were obtained for 5 patients with Gore-Tex patch. There were no cases of infectious complications. However, we experienced one case of a flail chest postoperatively, in which reconstruction with two Gore-Tex patches of 30 x 15 cm, and 3 days of mechanical ventilation and chest wall support was needed.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience with Gore-Tex patches has been positive, and we recommend patch closure for thoracic wall defects.
Department of Surgery, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
T
T
Akiba
M
M
Takagi
H
H
Shioya
H
H
Kurihara
S
S
Sato
Y
Y
Yamazaki
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005409:Flail Chest / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013905:Thoracoplasty / Q000379:methods*
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene