Management of Post-lobectomy Bronchopleural: Cutaneous Fistula with a Rectus Abdominis Free Flap.
- Author:
Chan Yeong HEO
1
;
Kyung Hee MIN
;
Seok Chan EUN
;
Rong Min BAEK
;
Sang Hoon CHEON
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. sceun@snubh.org
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Bronchopleural-cutaneous fistula;
Rectus abdominis free flap;
Intercostal vessel
- MeSH:
Cutaneous Fistula;
Drainage;
Empyema;
Fistula;
Free Tissue Flaps;
Humans;
Lung;
Muscles;
Postoperative Complications;
Rectus Abdominis;
Thoracic Wall;
Thorax
- From:Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
2009;36(6):795-798
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: The repair of complex chest wall defects presents a challenging problem for the reconstructive surgeon. In particular, a free flap is often required when the defect is large, in which case suitable recipient vessels must be found to insure revascularization. The authors report a case of persistent bronchopleural-cutaneous fistula developed after undergoing lobectomy for lung cancer. METHODS: The defect area was repaired using a free vertical rectus abdominis muscle flap revascularized by microvascular anastomosis to the 6th intercostal pedicle. The flap obliterated the right chest cavity, closed the site of empyema drainage, and aided healing of a bronchopleuralcutaneous fistula. RESULTS: The patient has remained healed for 14 months without any postoperative complications or recurrent infection or fistula. CONCLUSION: We suggest that a rectus abdominis musculocutaneus free flap and intercostal pedicle as a recipient could be a useful method for repair of chest defects.
