Free flaps in the management of intrathoracic sepsis

Experience with 5 free flaps, 1 TRAM and 4 latissimus dorsi flaps, transferred intrathoracically for the management of chronic sepsis is described. Healing and elimination of sepsis was achieved in all cases despite the infection being resistant to all previous more traditional forms of treatment including thoracoplasty. The results were achieved with minimal morbidity and argue for the early consideration of free flaps in the management of chronic intrathoracic sepsis in appropriate circumstances. A review of the limited available literature concerning this topic is presented.