Chest wall reconstruction using a new titanium mesh: a multicenters experience

Chest wall reconstruction is a challenging area of thoracic surgery. The integrity of the chest wall is fundamental for correct respiratory dynamics and in protecting the organs contained in the thorax (1,2). The first chest wall reconstruction has been reported in the 1896 by Tensini using a pedicle latissimus dorsi flap to cover an anterior chest wall defect (3). The earlier attempts of chest wall surgery were limited by the availability of suitable materials to guarantee a durable and effective reconstruction. The last decade has seen improvements in surgical techniques and the introduction of different synthetics or biological materials allowing extensive chest wall resection and reconstruction with acceptable morbidity and mortality (2,4-8). Titanium has been introduced in surgical practice in the last twenty years. It is a very useful material because of optimal biocompatibility, resistance and low specific weight (2,9). We report our experience using a new titanium mesh for chest wall reconstruction in different pathological settings