When Is Thoracoplasty Used?

The indications of thoracoplasty for the treatment of pulmonary infections include severe fibrotic changes of residual lung and multidrug resistant infections. Persistent bronchopulmonary fistulae are frequently solved with the use of muscle flaps in combination with thoracoplasty.

Why is Thoracoplasty performed?

The purpose of thoracoplasty is to achieve pleural space obliteration. At present, persistent pleural space in pos- tresectional empyema and unresolving primary empy- ema with trapped lung are the more common indications for thoracoplasty.

How is Thoracoplasty done?

Overview. Most thoracoplasties are performed through a standard posterolateral thoracotomy, which can be extended upward, if necessary. The 2^nd to the 8^th ribs are usually resected in an extra-musculo-periosteal fashion (should extend one rib inferior to the extent of the disease).