[Use of the omentum flap for reconstruction of large chest wall defects]

ABSTRACT

Use of alloplastic material such as Gore-Tex and loco regional flaps for reconstruction of the large defects of chest wall has been well described. The purpose of this article is to present a useful technique of using the pediculated omental flap to cover the large chest wall defects. Three patients with large thoracic wall defects underwent reconstruction with omental flap with or without prolene mesh. These defects resulted from tumor resection. Their dimensions ranged from 25x30cm to 35x50cm. The omentum was tunneled through a separate opening in the abdominal wall into the subcutaneous plane and used to cover the defect and inner surface of prolene mesh. There was no complication and all wounds healed with no recurrence. The patients were followed for two years and there was no tumor recurrence or wound breakdown. Omental flap is a reasonable alternative for chest wall reconstruction especially when delay wound healing anticipated or when others loco regional flap are not appropriate