FREE FLAPS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INTRATHORACIC SEPSIS

Experience with 5 free flaps, 1 TRAM and 4 latissimus dorsi flaps, tra nsferred intrathoracically for the management of chronic sepsis is des cribed. Healing and elimination of sepsis was achieved in all cases de spite the infection being resistant to all previous more traditional f orms of treatment including thoracoplasty. The results were achieved w ith minimal morbidity and argue for the early consideration of free fl aps in the management of chronic intrathoracic sepsis in appropriate c ircumstances. A review of the limited available literature concerning this topic is presented.