A chest wall resection is a type of open-surgery (large incisions of 8-10 inches long / involves dividing the breast bone / general anesthesia) performed to remove all or part of soft tissue, cartilage, sternum and/or ribs. Chest wall resections are most commonly performed for tumors, infection, radiation necrosis, and trauma.
A chest wall reconstruction, also a type of open-surgery procedure, uses artificial bone or titanium rib plating, as a way to help rebuild the skeletal structur e of your chest wall after chest wall resection. The decision to perform a reconstruction of the chest wall after resection will depend on the specific part affected, if there’s any cosmetic concern, or if there’s a possibility of respiratory failure.
Rib Fractures: In cases of severe rib fractures that affect breathing or cause pain, surgery may be performed to stabilize and repair the fractured ribs.
Chest Wall Tumors: When tumors or abnormal growths develop in the chest wall, surgery may be necessary to remove them and prevent further complications.
Pectus Excavatum or Pectus Carinatum: These are congenital conditions where the chest wall is either sunken (pectus excavatum) or protrudes outward (pectus carinatum). Surgery can be done to correct the shape of the chest.
Chest Wall Tumor Resection: In cases of chest wall tumors, surgery is performed to remove the tumors and any affected surrounding tissues.
Rib Fixation: This involves using plates, screws, or wires to stabilize fractured ribs, promoting healing and reducing pain.
Pectus Excavatum or Pectus Carinatum Repair: Various surgical techniques can be used to correct the shape of the chest in cases of pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum.
The recovery time after chest wall surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed and the individual's overall health. Patients usually spend some time in the hospital for monitoring and post-operative care. As with any surgical procedure, chest wall surgery carries certain risks, including bleeding, infection, complications related to anesthesia, or damage to nearby structures. However, these risks are generally minimized when the surgery is performed by experienced surgeons in appropriate medical settings.
Chest wall surgery involves procedures performed on the bones, muscles, or other tissues of the chest wall. It is done to treat conditions like rib fractures, chest wall tumors, or to correct congenital chest deformities. If someone requires chest wall surgery, it's crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to understand the specific procedure, its benefits, and potential risks.
