Chest wall stabilization with synthetic reabsorbable material

Experimental results and preliminary clinical experience with synthetic rea bsorbable materials in chest wall reconstruction are reported. Six beagle d ogs underwent chest wall resection involving three or four consecutive ribs . Reparative procedure was performed by construction of a polydioxanone-ban d grid, anchored to the adjacent undamaged ribs. A mild wound infection dev eloped in 1 animal but resolved without rejection of the prosthesis. The ex perimental material has shown favorable properties, both mechanical and bio logical. Subsequently, 11 patients, with different indications, underwent r econstructive procedures of the chest wall with reabsorbable prostheses. No complications have occurred. Long-term stability was excellent in all pati ents, with a mean follow-up longer than 6 months. The advantages of reabsor bable compounds are pointed out along with the possible applications for ch est wall reconstruction after chest wall resection.