Synthetic prostheses in repair of chest wall defects after exeresis of malignancies.

Five cases of chest wall repair with synthetic prostheses following thoracectomy for malignant tumours are reported. Two patients were submitted to partial sternal resection (manubrium); in the first case Marlex mesh alone and in the second a composite graft with Methyl-methacrylate were used. The remaining cases underwent extended thoracectomy and reconstructive procedure based upon Marlex prosthetic replacement and myoplasty. No postoperative complications were observed and satisfactory stabilization of the chest wall with good cosmetic results were obtained.