Reconstruction of sternal and abdominal wall defects in a case of desmoid tumor.

A case of desmoid tumor of the anterior chest and abdominal wall is presented. The entire body of the sternum along with the upper abdominal wall and inner parts of both breasts was resected. The resulting defect over the pericardium and abdomen was reconstructed by the omentum and Marlex mesh. The large skin defect was covered by bilateral thoracoabdominal tube pedicles. The patient had a stable chest wall with uncompromised respiratory function 1 week after the operation. Prevention of local recurrences of desmoid tumors requires wide excision of the involved soft tissues and bony structures. The principles of wide resection of soft tissue tumors, reconstruction of the anterior chest and abdominal wall defects, and planning the skin coverage over the resulting defect are discussed.