[Reconstruction of chest wall deformity in Poland's syndrome with soft silicone prosthesis].

OBJECTIVE

To explore a method for reconstruction of Poland's chest wall deformity.

METHODS

The customized, textured silicone prosthesis was fabricated from a soft silicone polymer that approximated to the softness of the pectoralis major muscle. A lateral incision of 6 cm on the affected chest was made. After a subcutaneous pocket above the ribs was created through the incision, the prosthesis was placed in the pocket.

RESULTS

Since October 2000, chest wall reconstruction for Poland's syndrome deformity has been performed in 7 male patients (18 to 45 years) with the customized soft silicone prosthesis. Follow-up for 3 to 17 months showed that all patients were satisfied with the aesthetical results. Seroma occurred in 2 patients, and needle aspiration was used to solve the problem.

CONCLUSION

This method is simple and less traumatic. The reconstructed chest wall approximates to the softness and appearance of the contralateral pectoralis muscle.