Chest wall reconstruction in recurrent breast carcinoma – a case report

Abstract

Complex chest wall reconstruction after an oncological resection requires a multidisciplinary approach with the aim of curative resection.The complexity of such reconstruction is challenged by prior reconstructions that limit the options for free tissue transfer and recipient vessels for microsurgical anastomoses.We present a case of an immunocompromised patient with prior breast reconstruction for left breast carcinoma with a pedicled lattisimus dorsi flap who presents with a recurrence to the latissimus dorsi flap requiring a more extensive oncological resection.This resulted in a large chest wall defect that is reconstructed with plating and an anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous free flap for soft tissue coverage.The radical resection allows for excellent overall survival and better quality of life.