Obliteration of empyema tract with deepithelialized unipedicle transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap

Four patients with chronic empyema after pneumonectomy have undergone successful obliteration of the empyema tract with a deepithelialized transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. The deepithelialized skin island has provided sufficient bulk for tract obliteration. Rotation of the skin island into the long axis of the rectus muscle has added considerable length to this flap, allowing it to reach the apex of the thoracic cavity. A recurrent loculation developed 4 months after the obliteration procedure in one patient. This was successfully treated with open pleural drainage and a second Clagett procedure. Over a mean follow-up period of 35 months, all four patients are free of further infectious sequelae. Chest roentgenograms have confirmed eradication of the tracts in all four patients. (J T HORAC C ARDIOVASC S URG 1996;112:631-6)