NESPS - Chest Wall Reconstruction (5 Rib Defect) with Gortex, TRAM Flap, and Salvage with Leeches

Back to 2025 Abstracts

Chest Wall Reconstruction (5 Rib Defect) with Gortex, TRAM Flap, and Salvage with Leeches
John E. Gatti, MD, FACS
Virtua Medical Center, Voorhees, NJ

In 1991, 42-Year-old woman with a recurrent Desmoid Tumor of Right Breast requiring Chest wall resection leaving a 15cm, 5 rib defect with heart and lungs exposed. Reconstruction with a Gortex cover and TRAM Flap with flap congestion at 18 hours. Twenty-six leeches used over 4 days to the distal flap salvaged the flap. Later reconstruction at one year with solid silicone implant added to support chest wall. Fourteen years in 2005, breast implant placed on top and contra-lateral breast augmentation for symmetry. Desmoid without recurrence.

Back to 2025 Abstracts