title: Important considerations in chest wall reconstruction.
abstract: Chest wall reconstruction represents one of the most challenging tasks in plastic surgery. Over the past several decades, a more profound understanding of surgical anatomy and physiology along with tremendous advances in surgical technique have resulted in substantial improvements in postoperative outcomes. Conceptually, the reconstructive goals include dead space obliteration, restoration of skeletal stability with protection of intrathoracic structures, and stable soft tissue coverage. Ideally, these goals are achieved with minimal aesthetic deformity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:913-922. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Health Systems, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Arash
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Momeni
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Health Systems, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Kovach
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: chest wall; free flaps; pedicled flaps; plastic surgery; surgical meshes