Successful Use of Intercostal Muscle Flap in Cavitary Lung Lesions

Background: Lung cavities sometimes result from a number of pathological processes including suppurative necrosis, caseous necrosis, ischemic necrosis and cystic dilatation of lung structures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of intercostals muscle flap as a successful method to fill the lung cavity for reduction of symptoms and treatment of patients presented with symptomatic pulmonary cavity and to avoid the risk of pulmonary resection. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted between 2009 to 2012, in department of cardiothoracic surgery, Zagazig University Hospital. The study included 32 patients suffering from cavitary lung lesions divided into two groups, group (A): 14 patients treated by using intercostal muscle flap to fill the defect after Cavernostomy without lung resection; and group (B): 18 patients treated by traditional methods by lung resection. Patients with high risk of lung resection, suspicion of dense adhesion, symptomatic chronic lung abscess and patients with bad pulmonary function tests were included in group (A). Results: 20 patients were male and 12 were females in both groups, the large numbers of cases were lung abscess in group A (4 cases 28.5%) followed by Aspergilloma and TB cavity (3 cases 21.4%). Hemoptysis, persistent cough and expectoration were the main presentation of our patients. Poor pulmonary function was significant finding in group A (7 cases 50%). Complications reported in our study were bleeding, recurrent symptoms and one case mortality in group B after Pneuomenectomy. Conclusion: Using the intercostal muscle flap implanted inside the lung cavity after cavernostomy is a successful alternative curative method especially in cases with high risk of lung resection.