Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Objective: The aim of the study was to present our experience with the vertical musculocutaneous trapezius (VMCT) flap and highlight its utility in the thoracic wall reconstruction in patients with bronchopleural fistula (BPF).Materials and methods: We present a five case series of patients with long-standing cavities and BPF.The VMCT flap was used, and a direct pathway into the defect was made through a separate posterior thoracotomy shortening the distance between the flap and the defect.Results: In 80% of the cases, the flap succeeded in solving the fistula and filling the defect, quality of life improved, and the need for oxygen decreased.Conclusions: Management of open window thoracostomy is challenging.Debridement, thoracoplasty, and flap coverage are the mainstream of their treatment, but these patients have scarce available muscle.The VMCT flap represents the major non-affected musculocutaneous unit in the thoracic area after lung surgery.Its dermal component offers a rigid matrix to form a seal over the bronchial stump.Its muscular component adds a good amount of vascularized tissue.No functional impairment has been described after its use.
Institution: Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4403506719