The role of intrathoracic free flaps for XXXX .

@entity1 @entity3509 @entity102 @entity292 @entity393 @entity130
BACKGROUND: The management of @entity102 associated with a @entity292 can be a particularly challenging problem. Successful eradication may not occur without interposition of healthy vascularized tissue. Pedicled muscle flaps for coverage on the thorax have been well described. However, secondary to @entity130 or previous surgical procedures, a pedicle flap may not be sufficiently sized or available. Free tissue transfer is an attractive option to provide the appropriate vascularized tissue. METHODS: Six @entity1 with chronic @entity292 were reconstructed with 4 rectus abdominis myocutaneous and 2 gracilis muscle flaps. The choice of recipient vessels was dictated by existing local anatomy but included intercostal, thoracodorsal, thoracoacromial, azygous, and circumflex humeral vessels. One flap required interposition saphenous vein grafts for both artery and vein. RESULTS: @entity1 follow-up ranged from 2 to 14 years. There were no episodes of @entity393 or postoperative mortality. @entity3509 without recurrent @entity292 was achieved in all @entity1 . CONCLUSIONS: Free tissue transfer is an excellent option for vascularized tissue interposition in @entity1 who are not candidates for pedicled muscle transfer. Multiple potential recipient vessels provide tremendous versatility, arguing for early consideration of free tissue transfer.
