[Chest wall reconstruction using polyester mesh].

Using polyester, we prepared a new material for chest wall reconstruction. The polyester mesh has the same rigidity and elasticity as Marlex tracheal mesh. From January 1987 through July 1991, we performed chest wall reconstruction using the polyester mesh in 8 patients with lung cancer, 9 with empyema after open drainage, 2 with metastatic chest wall tumors, 1 with a primary osteogenic giant cell tumor originating from the rib and 1 with radiation dermatitis and costal chondritis. Three or more ribs were resected in 17 patients. The defects of the chest wall were reconstructed with the polyester mesh covered with a GORE-TEX soft tissue patch to achieve air tightness. Fifteen cases have passed at least one year with no sign of infection. In conclusion, the polyester mesh prevents flail chest and seems to be a satisfactory material for chest wall reconstruction.