[Repair of defects in chest wall with thoracico-abdominal skin flap and muscle flap of musculus rectus abdominis].

Objective: To evaluate the application value of repairing the defects of the chest wall with the thoracico-abdominal skin flap and the muscle flap of the musculus rectus abdominis.

Methods: From January 2002 to June 2005, five patients with defects in the chest wall underwent the prosthesis with the thoracico-abdominal skin flap and the muscle flap of the musculus rectus abdominis under general anesthesia. Focal cleaning was performed first; then, the skin flap was designed and taken (15 cm x 10 cm); and finally, the defects of the chest wall were repaired with the muscle flap of the musculus rectus abdominis.

Results: Of the 5 patients, 4 had the flap healing by the first intention, and 1 had the delayed healing, with no complication. The skin flap had a good appearance, without edema or pigmentation. The X-ray examination showed that the shadow of the sternal sequestrum disappeared. There was no recurrence or complication during the follow-up for 1-3 years (average, 18 mon).

Conclusion: The repairing of the defects in the chest wall with the thoracico-abdominal skin flap and the muscle flap of the musculus rectus abdominis is a simple and effective surgical treatment for defects of the chest wall around the sternum, and this kind of treatment is worth applying extensively in clinical practice.