[Reconstruction of chest wall deformity in Poland's syndrome with soft silicone prosthesis].

Objective: To explore a method for reconstruction of Poland's chest wall deformity.

Methods: The customized, textured silicone prosthesis was fabricated from a soft silicone polymer that approximated to the softness of the pectoralis major muscle. A lateral incision of 6 cm on the affected chest was made. After a subcutaneous pocket above the ribs was created through the incision, the prosthesis was placed in the pocket.

Results: Since October 2000, chest wall reconstruction for Poland's syndrome deformity has been performed in 7 male patients (18 to 45 years) with the customized soft silicone prosthesis. Follow-up for 3 to 17 months showed that all patients were satisfied with the aesthetical results. Seroma occurred in 2 patients, and needle aspiration was used to solve the problem.

Conclusion: This method is simple and less traumatic. The reconstructed chest wall approximates to the softness and appearance of the contralateral pectoralis muscle.