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Review
. 2024 Jan 30;16(1):737-749.
doi: 10.21037/jtd-23-621. Epub 2024 Jan 16.

Management of complications after chest wall resection and reconstruction: a narrative review

Savvas Lampridis  1 , Fabrizio Minervini  2 , Marco Scarci  1
Affiliations
Review

Management of complications after chest wall resection and reconstruction: a narrative review

Savvas Lampridis et al. J Thorac Dis. .

Abstract

Background and objective: Chest wall resection and reconstruction procedures carry high postoperative morbidity. Therefore, successful outcomes necessitate prevention, prompt identification, and appropriate management of ensuing complications. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of evidence-based strategies for managing complications following chest wall resection and reconstruction.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using the PubMed database for relevant English-language studies published since 1980.

Key content and findings: Complications following chest wall resection and reconstruction can be broadly classified into surgical site-related, respiratory, or other systemic complications. Surgical site and respiratory complications are the most common, with reported incidence rates of approximately 40% across some series. Predisposing factors for respiratory morbidity include greater numbers of resected ribs and concurrent pulmonary lobectomy. Definitive correlations between specific prosthetic materials and complications remain elusive. Management should be tailored to the type and severity of the complication, surgical variables, and patient factors. Specific approaches for managing common complications are discussed in detail. Emerging preventive approaches, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques, are also briefly highlighted to help guide future research.

Conclusions: An emphasis on anticipating and judiciously managing complications of chest wall resection and reconstruction, alongside a coordinated multidisciplinary approach, can optimize outcomes for patients undergoing this intrinsically complex surgery.

Keywords: Chest wall; complication; reconstruction; resection; thoracic wall.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://jtd.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/jtd-23-621/coif). The special series “Chest Wall Resections and Reconstructions” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare.

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