THE USE OF CUSTOMIZED TITANIUM ENDOPROSTHESES HELPS TO RESTORE THORACIC FUNCTION AFTER EXTENSIVE SURGERIES

We continue to recall the most striking clinical cases and challenging surgeries that gave hope for life to our patients in 2024.

In 2011, 47-year-old Tatiana underwent treatment for breast cancer. Due to the widespread nature of the cancer process, she underwent a mastectomy followed by radiation therapy. The treatment was successful, and for many years Tatiana did not remember the disease.

After 9 years, the woman began to feel discomfort in the chest area and asked for help: doctors diagnosed a large-scale metastatic lesion. For the next four years Tatiana was treated with drugs and proton therapy, but there were no positive dynamics. The metastatic conglomerate was growing, bringing more and more discomfort to our patient: a tumor was visible to the naked eye between her breasts, which, in addition to the aesthetic component, hindered her movements and was unbearably painful.

It was on the recommendation of local doctors that Tatyana turned to the Thoracic Department of the A. Tsyb MRRC, where extensive experience has been accumulated in reconstructive and plastic surgeries for tumor lesions of the sternum.

“For our patient was created an individual titanium prosthesis of Russian production, says Grigory Afonin, acting head of the Thoracic Department of the A. Tsyb MRRC. It is modeled based on the planned volume of surgery. This prosthesis will preserve the sternum framework and respiratory function, which is extremely important in this case. After all, we are removing the entire tumor-affected part of the chest. The woman will also retain her motor function, she will be able to lift her arms without difficulty, move them and lead an active life.

The operation lasted five hours: during this time Grigory Vladislavovich and Vladimir Usachev, an oncologist of the thoracic department, resected the sternum, the 1st and 2nd ribs and performed plastic with a titanium construction. A few days after the operation, Tatiana can see the difference: there is no trace of the tumor!