Imperative reconstruction of complex defects of thoracic wall after non breast cancer resection

Complex defects of thoracic wall are mainly acquired after cancer resection, whose reconstruction during the same surgical time is imperative. Thoracic reconstruction aims to avoid paradoxical breathing, to protect intrathoracic organs and other noble structures, to obliterate empty spaces and, if possible, to obtain a good aesthetic. This study presents a case series of imperative reconstruction of complex defects of thoracic wall after non breast cancer (NBC) resection. Cases were operated by the plastic surgery teams of Escola Paulista de Medicina and Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual in São Paulo, Brazil, between October 2014 and April 2021. Eight cases were included (mean age = 61,0 years). Due to the complexity of the cases, grafts, flaps, polypropylene mesh and titanium rods were used, being latissimus dorsi muscle flap the most utilized. Mean hospitalization time was 15,5 days. There was a loss of the flap on account of thrombosis in the vascular anastomosis and two deaths. Imperative reconstruction of complex defects of thoracic wall after NBC resection is capable of providing good functional and aesthetic results, mitigating inherent losses by disruption of thoracic wall integrity.