title: Reconstruction of irradiated postpneumonectomy empyema cavity with chain-link coupled microsurgical omental and TRAM flaps.
abstract: We present the first case of complete hemithoracic reconstruction of an irradiated postpneumonectomy recurrent empyema cavity that was unresponsive to multiple conventional treatments. The procedure described used a chain-link of two coupled free flaps consisting of an omental and TRAM flap. A single abdominal donor site and single operative position are other advantages of this technique that provides sufficient volume to obviate the need for thoracoplasty even in the largest wounds.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. rrand@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Rand
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Maser
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Dry
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vallieres
mesh_terms: D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*