Institutional Experience With Chest Wall Reconstruction Using Sternal Steel Wires: A Case Series Study

University of Health Sciences Lahore

Status: Completed

Conditions: Chest Wall Deformity; Chest Wall Disease; Chest Wall Tumor; Chest Wall Mechanics

Treatments: Procedure: Chest Wall Reconstruction

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07148648

IRB/2025/1653/SIMS

Details and patient eligibility

About

Chest wall resections, often performed for tumors, infections, or trauma, result in significant defects that require reconstruction to restore structural integrity and functionality. The use of twisted stainless steel wires (No. 05) for chest wall reconstruction offers a cost-effective and practical alternative. Steel wires provide robust structural support, allow dynamic movement of the chest wall during respiration, and are associated with improved postoperative pain control.

Full description

The chest wall, a complex dynamic structure composed of both rigid and soft tissues, plays a vital role in protecting thoracic organs and maintaining the mechanics of respiration. Reconstruction following chest wall resection is critical not only to achieve defect closure but also to preserve respiratory mechanics and minimize postoperative complications. The primary goals include providing structural support, ensuring stability, and achieving soft tissue coverage while maintaining chest wall flexibility and minimizing pain. Chest wall reconstruction using sternal steel wires enable better chest wall recoil, which is crucial for maintaining normal respiratory mechanics. Additionally, studies suggest that the use of steel wires reduces the incidence of chronic pain, as they do not involve direct exposure to synthetic materials that could irritate surrounding tissues or provoke inflammatory responses. The affordability and simplicity of steel wire-based reconstruction make it particularly suitable for underserved populations in Pakistan, where healthcare resources are limited, and the majority of patients cannot afford expensive surgical materials.

Enrollment: 38 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients undergoing chest wall resection due to tumors or trauma.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with contraindications to General Anesthesia.
• Patients having chest wall infection.
• Patients with pre-existing chest wall deformities or severe chronic respiratory diseases.
• Patients who undergo reoperation or develop intraoperative complications affecting the chest wall reconstruction.

Trial design

38 participants in 1 patient group

Wires Group

Description:

all the participants who undergo chest wall reconstruction using sternal steel wires, number 05 are included in this group.

Treatment:

Procedure: Chest Wall Reconstruction