The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jun 2024
Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Mesh in Chest-wall Reconstruction: A 27-year Experience.
The study objective was to evaluate the success of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh in chest-wall reconstruction. ⋯ Most patients (78%) with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene mesh had a stable reconstruction after a median of 4 years. Obesity, larger defects, and prior chest-wall radiation were associated with a higher risk of a mesh-related event mostly due to mesh infections. Seventeen percent of reconstructions had reoperation for mesh infection; 88% were completely explanted. Only 8% required replacement mesh, suggesting that experienced surgeons can safely manage them without replacement. Future studies should compare various meshes for high-risk patients to help guide the optimal mesh selection.