2024 Volume 44 Issue 8 Pages 370-376
In Japan, there are relatively few reports of reconstructive cases for traumatic chest wall injuries. Shotgun chest wall injuries are often extensive, making it challenging to determine the most appropriate reconstruction method.
In this report, we describe the case of a 73-year-old man who was admitted to the emergency department after sustaining injuries from a shotgun pellet. The patient had a 12 cm×9 cm defect in the left thoracic region and underwent chest wall reconstruction using a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap.
In deciding on the reconstruction method, immediate chest closure was necessary. Although rigid reconstruction is necessary for extensive defects, the use of prosthetics or other devices that are potential sources of infection should be avoided.
The postoperative course was excellent, demonstrating that one-stage reconstruction with a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is a viable option for such cases.
