Multi-staged flap reconstruction for complex radiation thoracic ulcer

INTRODUCTIONChest wall reconstruction due to previous radiation therapy can be challenging and complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach.PRESENTATION OF CASEThe authors present the case of a 84-year-old woman with a right chest wall radionecrosis ulcer, that was submitted to an ablative surgery resulting in a full-thickness defect of 224 cm2, firstly reconstructed with a pedicled omental flap. Due to partial flap necrosis, other debridements and chest wall multi-staged flap reconstruction were performed.DISCUSSIONThis case highlights that the reconstructive choice should be individualized and dependent on patient and local factors. The authors advise that surgical team should work closely and be well versed in chest wall reconstruction with a variety of pedicled flaps, when a complication occurs.CONCLUSIONA multi-staged flap reconstruction could be a salvage procedure for the coverage of complex, great and complicated chest wall defects due to previous radiation therapy.