Vertical Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap for Repair of the Anterior Chest Wall Defect

Abstract

The case report of a patient with post-sternotomy mediastinitis is presented. A successful case of treatment of such a formidable complication after cardiac surgery was demonstrated. Success in the treatment of such patients depends on the complete cupping inflammatory process in the site of operation, as well as chest wall reconstruction. The positive clinical effect of vacuum-assisted dressings in the treatment of post-sternotomy mediastinitis is shown. The vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap was used as a plastic material to cover a defect in the chest wall. The course of surgery and the result of treatment are described in details. To date, the surgical society has not developed a generally accepted tactic in the treatment of poststernotomy mediastinitis, both at the stage of arresting the infectious process, and in the process of reconstructive and restorative intervention. In practice, along with alloplastic materials, synthetic and metal implants are used. The autologous tissues include muscle flaps and the greater omentum. In thoracic surgery, the rectus abdominis can serve as an alternative to omentoplasty for extended chest wall defects.