CHEST RECONSTRUCTION IN ASPHYXIATING THORACIC DYSTROPHY

Asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy is a rare, complex malformation with a broad spectrum of clinical expression. Surgery is indicated only in s evere cases in which failure to intervene will result in progressive p ulmonary damage and eventual death. Conventional surgical techniques f or expanding the thoracic cage diameter by sternotomy and the insertio n of a metal prosthesis for anterior chest wall stability usually prov ide these patients with the time needed for thoracic cage growth. Howe ver, some of the most severe cases may require a two-stage approach. H ence, management should be directed toward resolving immediate ventila tory problems and minimizing secondary damage to the lungs caused by p rolonged ventilatory support. Copyright (C) 1998 by W.B. Saunders Comp any.