Introduction

• Successful removal of a malignant neoplasm of the chest wall requires adequate margins of resected tissue in all planes around the neoplasm.
• Removal of a rib is occasionally used to aid exposure during intercostal thoracotomy.

Uses

• Removal of rib in process of tumor resection:
  • Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma: axial skeleton.
  • Chondrosarcoma Chondrosarcoma.
• To improve access to thorax during thoracotomy Thorax: thoracotomy (intercostal).
• Ribs may be used as cortical antografts in certain advance orthopedic procedures (eg repair of severe cortical bone defects).

Advantages

• Relatively simple procedure to remove a single rib.

Disadvantages

• Multiple rib resection requires advanced anesthetic and surgical skills and careful planning.

Requirements

Preparation

Procedure

Aftercare

Outcomes

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Piricey-Erkhart N, Withrow S J, Straw R C et al (1995) Primary rib tumors in 54 dogs. JAAMA 31 (1), 65-69 PubMed.
• Matthiesen D T, Clark D N, Orsher R J et al (1992) En bloc resection of primary rib tumours in 40 dogs. Vet Surg 21 (3), 201-204 PubMed.
• Bright R M, Birchard S J & Long G G (1982) Repair of thoracic wall defects in the dog with an omental pedicle flap. JAAHA 18 (2), 277-82 VetMedResource.
• Bright R M (1981) Reconstruction of thoracic wall defects using Marlex mesh. JAAHA 17 (3), 415-420 VetMedResource.