Single stage chest wall soft tissue reconstruction with ipsilateral pectoralis major turnover flap, rhomboid skin flap, and inferior nipple transposition

Abstract

Extravasation injury is a well-known complication of central venous catheter placement, with potential for extensive soft tissue necrosis. Here, we describe the case of a patient who developed a large right chest well soft tissue defect, due to a chest wall abscess from calcium gluconate infusion via a right internal jugular central venous catheter. After multiple debridements, the chest wall defect was reconstructed with a single stage ipsilateral pectoralis major turnover flap, rhomboid skin flap, and inferior nipple transposition to match the contralateral nipple. There was no further infection, no nipple necrosis, and patient regained full range of motion of the ipsilateral shoulder.