Salvage of vascular graft infections via vacuum sealing drainage and rectus femoris muscle flap transposition: A case report

BACKGROUND The management of vascular graft infections continues to be a significant challenge in a clinical situation.The aim of this report is to illustrate the novel vacuum sealing drainage(VSD)technique and rectus femoris muscle flap transposition for vascular graft infections,and to evaluate the prospective of future testing of this surgical procedure.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 32-year-old male patient,who presented a severe infected groin wound with biological vascular graft Acinetobacter baumannii infection resulting in extensive graft exposure.Using the VSD and muscle flap transposition,the groin wound and vascular graft infection were finally treated successfully.CONCLUSION Our case report highlights that VSD technique and rectus femoris muscle flap transposition could be considered in patients presenting with a severe infected groin wound with biological vascular graft Acinetobacter baumannii infection resulting in extensive graft exposure,especially in consideration of treatable conditions.

Sternal Reconstruction of Deep Sternal Wound Infections Following Median Sternotomy by Single-stage Muscle Flaps Transposition

Objective To assess clinical effectiveness of using bilateral pectoralis major or plus rectus abdominis muscle flaps in treating deep sternal wound infection(DSWI) following median sternotomy. Methods Between January 2009 and December 2013, 19 patients with DSWI after median sternotomy for cardiac surgery were admitted to our hospital, including 14 males(73.7%) and 5 females(26.3%), aged 55±13(18-78) years. According to the Pairolero classification of infected median sternotomies, 3(15.8%) patients were type II, and the other 16(84.2%) were type III. Surgical procedure consisted of adequate debridement of infected sternum, costal cartilage, granulation, steel wires, suture residues and other foreign substances. Sternal reconstruction used the bilateral pectoralis major or plus rectus abdominis muscle flaps to obliterate dead space. The drainage tubes were placed and connected to a negative pressure generator for adequate drainage. Results There were no intraoperative deaths. In 15 patients(78.9%), bilateral pectoral muscle flaps were mobilized sufficiently to cover and stabilize the defect created by wound debridement. 4 patients(21.0%) needed bilateral pectoral muscle flaps plus rectus abdominis muscle flaps because their pectoralis major muscle flaps could not reach the lowest portion of the wound. 2 patients(10.5%) presented with subcutaneous infection, and 3 patients(15.8%) had hematoma. They recovered following local debridement and medication. 17 patients(89.5%) were examined at follow-up 12 months later, all healed and having stable sternum. No patients showed infection recurrence during the follow-up period over 12 months. Conclusion DSWI following median sternotomy may be effectively managed with adequate debridement of infected tissues and reconstruction with bilateral pectoralis major muscle or plus rectus abdominis muscle flap transposition.

Improvements to the retractor and muscle flap design for minimally invasive cochlear implantation

Objective: The aim of this study was to improve muscle flaps and to evaluate surgical outcomes with the use of a novel specialized retractor, which is a surgical instrument used to locate and shape a bony seat for minimally invasive cochlear implantation.Methods: 50 patients aged 1 e75 years with sensorineural hearing loss who required cochlear implantation were recruited. A small incision(<3 cm) was made, and the novel specialized retractor was used in the study group during cochlear implantation. The incision length, surgical outcomes and operative time were recorded and analyzed.Results: The incision length, total operative time and drilling bony time were shorter in the study group than in the control group(P < 0.05, respectively). All patients recovered well after the surgery without any severe complications.Conclusion: The use of a novel specialized retractor standardized the surgical processes of cochlear implantation. The retractor helped locate and control the size of the bony well during bone drilling. The tool reduced the technical difficulty and improved the efficacy of this minimally invasive operation.

Successful Use of Intercostal Muscle Flap in Cavitary Lung Lesions

Background: Lung cavities sometimes result from a number of pathological processes including suppurative necrosis, caseous necrosis, ischemic necrosis and cystic dilatation of lung structures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of intercostals muscle flap as a successful method to fill the lung cavity for reduction of symptoms and treatment of patients presented with symptomatic pulmonary cavity and to avoid the risk of pulmonary resection. Methods: This is a prospective study conducted between 2009 to 2012, in department of cardiothoracic surgery, Zagazig University Hospital. The study included 32 patients suffering from cavitary lung lesions divided into two groups, group (A): 14 patients treated by using intercostal muscle flap to fill the defect after Cavernostomy without lung resection;and group (B): 18 patients treated by traditional methods by lung resection. Patients with high risk of lung resection, suspicion of dense adhesion, symptomatic chronic lung abscess and patients with bad pulmonary function tests were included in group (A). Results: 20 patients were male and 12 were females in both groups, the large numbers of cases were lung abscess in group A (4 cases 28.5%) followed by Aspergilloma and TB cavity (3 cases 21.4%). Hemoptysis, persistent cough and expectoration were the main presentation of our patients. Poor pulmonary function was significant finding in group A (7 cases 50%). Complications reported in our study were bleeding, recurrent symptoms and one case mortality in group B after Pneuomenectomy. Conclusion: Using the intercostal muscle flap implanted inside the lung cavity after cavernostomy is a successful alternative curative method especially in cases with high risk of lung resection.

Autologous sclera-muscle flaps technique in evisceration with hydroxyapatite implantation

·AIM: To provide superior cosmetic results and reduce complications, unlike traditional evisceration coupled with implant insertion technique and its modifications,we have developed a novel and simple technique for anophthalmic patients.·METHODS: All patients who underwent the scleral-muscle flaps procedure in evisceration with the placement of hydroxyapatite implant were included in the study. Main outcome measures were complications such as exposure, infection, chemosis, conjunctival inclusion cysts, granulomas. Meanwhile, implant motility was indirectly measured and the results were collected and analyzed.· RESULTS: A total of twenty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. Eighteen were men(64.29%) and ten were women(35.71%). Ages ranged from 18 to 65y(mean age, 32 years old). Mean follow-up was 12.32mo(range, 9-16mo). All patients received a hydroxyapatite implant. The average diameter of the implant was 19.29 ±1.36 mm(range, 18-22 mm). Minor complications occurred in 3 patients, and a major complication was observed in 1 patient. Mean motility were 11.04 ±1.45 mm horizontally(range, 7-14 mm) and 8.57 ±1.50 mm vertically(range, 5-12 mm).·CONCLUSION: The sclera-muscle flaps technique in evisceration with hydroxyapatite implantation is simple and practical that eases the surgical procedure, enables a proper size hydroxyapatite implantation, distinctively reduces complications and provides superior surgery results, especially the motility of the implant.

Evaluation of speech function on repairing defects of maxilla and palate with temporalis muscle flap

Objective： To evaluate the speech function on repairing defects of maxilla and palate with temporalis muscle flap after benign or malignant turmor resection. Methods： The lateral cephalogram and speech intelligibility were detected in 19 cases with the operations of repairing defects of maxilla and palate by temporalis muscle flap, and their recovery of the speech function were analyzed. Results： Among the 19 patients, there were 15 cases （78.00%） with complete velopharynx, 3 cases （15.80%） with mafiginal velopharynx, and 1 case （5.26%） with insufficient velopharynx. The average speech intelligibility was 94.3%, close to the normal speech intelligibility. Conclusion： The operation of repairing defects of maxilla and palate with temporalis muscle flap can reconstruct the phonatory structure, preserve the palate function and restore the speech function after operation.

Applied distally based peroneus brevis muscle flaps for coverage of the soft tissue defects over the lower one-third of the leg, ankle and foot

Objective To investigate a simple, valuable new method for coverage of the soft tissue defect over the lower one-third of the leg, ankle and the foot. Methods The distally based peroneus brevis muscle fkps were applied for coverage of the soft tissue defects over the lower one-third of the leg,the ankle and the foot. The muscle flaps were covered with split-thickness skin grafts. Results The distally based peroneus brevis muscle flaps were applied for coverage of the soft tissue defects over the lower one-third of the leg, the ankle and the foot in 16 cases. The larges area of the soft tissue defect was 5 cm × 7 cm. The smallest was 3 cm × 4 cm. Primary healing occured in 14 cases undergoing muscle flap construction, second-stage healing occured in 2 cases, no total flap necrosis occured in any cases. Conclusion ThisChina Medical Abstracts(Surgery) technigue is a simple and complication are lesser. The successful rates are higher. This muscle flap is suitable to the mudium or small soft tissue

胸背动脉穿支皮瓣在肩胸背部创面修复中的临床应用

目的探讨胸背动脉穿支皮瓣在肩胸背部皮肤软组织缺损修复中的应用。方法自2019年1月至2022年12月,应用胸背动脉穿支皮瓣修复肩胸背部皮肤软组织缺损8例,致伤原因均为肿瘤切除术后。术前应用CTA和手持多普勒超声确认胸背动脉的存在、走行、分支及穿支位置。根据创面位置、面积设计胸背动脉穿支皮瓣。皮瓣仅携带穿支发出位置的极少量肌肉,将胸背动脉降支近端从肌肉内剥离,保留胸背动脉横支和胸背神经。如血管蒂长度不足,可切断横支。皮瓣带蒂转移修复创面。供瓣区拉拢缝合。结果8例皮瓣均存活,供瓣区切口愈合好。随访6个月到2年,所有患者受区外观满意,供瓣区无明显畸形,肩关节功能无明显影响。结论胸背动脉穿支皮瓣血供可靠,血管蒂长,且基本完整地保留了背阔肌功能,是修复肩胸背部邻近创面的良好选择。

下颌骨缺损腓骨肌皮瓣重建后种植义齿修复的临床效果评价

目的:评价下颌骨缺损腓骨肌皮瓣重建后种植义齿修复的临床疗效。方法:纳入15例因肿瘤行下颌骨缺损腓骨肌皮瓣重建后的患者,评价在种植义齿修复后2年种植体的存留率、种植体周探诊深度(PD)、改良龈沟出血指(mSBI)、种植体边缘骨高度(MBL)。结果:62枚种植体在行使功能后2年种植体存留率100%;种植修复2年后,与修复前相比,MBL、PD及mSBI未见统计学差异(P>0.05);PD>4 mm时,mSBI显著增加(P<0.05)。结论:下颌骨缺损腓骨肌皮瓣重建后种植义齿修复取得了良好的临床疗效,PD≤4 mm的种植体表现出更好的稳定性。

双层瓦合缝合眼轮匝肌肌瓣用于睑袋切除术的效果及术后并发症观察

目的:探讨双层瓦合缝合眼轮匝肌肌瓣用于睑袋切除术的美观度及术后并发症的发生率。方法:选取2018年1月-2021年1月笔者医院收治的70例接受睑袋切除术治疗的就医者,随机分为对照组(n=35)和观察组(n=35),对照组予以四步睑袋法治疗,观察组予以双层瓦合缝合眼轮匝肌肌瓣法治疗。于术后3个月比较两组就医者的临床疗效和眼部美学效果,随访12个月,统计并发症发生情况,“卧蚕”形成情况、睑袋复发情况以及就医者满意度。结果:术后,观察组总有效率为94.29%,高于对照组的77.14%(P<0.05);观察组的美学效果优良率为97.14%,高于对照组的82.86%(P<0.05);观察组的并发症发生率为2.86%,低于对照组的25.71%(P<0.05);观察组的“卧蚕”形成率为88.57%,高于对照组的22.86%(P<0.05);两组睑袋复发率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组的总满意度为88.57%,高于对照组的65.71%(P<0.05)。结论:双层瓦合缝合眼轮匝肌肌瓣用于睑袋切除术,可以提高临床疗效和眼部整形美容效果,降低并发症发生风险,促进“卧蚕”形成,就医者满意度较高。

胸大肌肌瓣联合负压灌洗修复开胸术后伤口

目的探讨胸大肌肌瓣联合负压灌洗一期修复开胸术后难愈性伤口的治疗效果。方法回顾性选取2020年1月至2023年1月空军军医大学第一附属医院收治的开胸术后难愈性伤口患者21例,其中男16例,女5例,年龄35~75岁,平均(62.2±11.3)岁,创面面积6cm×3cm~25cm×5cm。手术去除感染胸骨,根据残腔部位及大小,游离伤口两侧相应节段的胸大肌予以缝合填塞。肌瓣下方预留灌洗管。待肌瓣覆盖残腔后,创面周围皮肤无张力拉拢缝合,并以–30~–20kPa的负压吸引。术后第1天开始,使用生理盐水灌洗,每日2000ml。观察灌洗液的性状、颜色、量及患者全身症状,待灌洗液清亮后拔管并拆除负压装置,创面隔天换药1次,术后2周拆线。结果19例患者在术后14d内一期愈合,2例患者遗留散在约1cm×1cm大小的创面,继续换药,术后1个月均愈合。随访0.5~2年,患者胸廓外形美观,前部躯体及上肢活动无影响,上肢肌力无明显改变。结论针对开胸术后难愈性伤口,在去除感染胸骨后,通过胸大肌肌瓣联合负压灌洗一期封闭创面,可降低伤口感染及患者死亡风险,缩短患者住院时间,手术操作简单,对患者创伤较小。

Excitation of the abdominal ganglion affects the electrophysiological activity of indirect flight muscles of the honeybee Apis mellifera

Our understanding of the nervous tissues that affect the wing flapping of insects mainly focuses on the brain,but wing flapping is a rhythmic movement related to the central pattern generator in the ventral nerve cord.To verify whether the neural activity of the abdominal ganglion of the honeybee(Apis mellifera)affects the flapping-wing flight,we profiled the response characteristics of indirect flight muscles to abdominal ganglion excitation.Strikingly,a change in the neural activity of ganglion 3 or ganglion 4 has a stronger effect on the electrophysiological activity of indirect flight muscles than that of ganglion 5.The electrophysiological activity of vertical indirect flight muscles is affected more by the change in neural activity of the abdominal ganglion than that of lateral indirect flight muscles.Moreover,the change in neural activity of the abdominal ganglion mainly causes the change in the muscular activity of indirect wing muscles,but the activity patterns change relatively little and there is little change in the complicated details.This work improves our understanding of the neuroregulatory mechanisms associated with the flapping-wing flight of honeybees.

Harnessing the synergy of perfusable muscle flap matrix and adipose-derived stem cells for prevascularization and macrophage polarization to reconstruct volumetric muscle loss

Muscle flaps must have a strong vascular network to support a large tissue volume and ensure successful engraftment.We developed porcine stomach musculofascial flap matrix(PDSF)comprising extracellular matrix(ECM)and intact vasculature.PDSF had a dominant vascular pedicle,microcirculatory vessels,a nerve network,well-retained 3-dimensional(3D)nanofibrous ECM structures,and no allo-or xenoantigenicity.In-depth proteomic analysis demonstrated that PDSF was composed of core matrisome proteins(e.g.,collagens,glycoproteins,proteoglycans,and ECM regulators)that,as shown by Gene Ontology term enrichment analysis,are functionally related to musculofascial biological processes.Moreover,PDSF􀀀human adipose-derived stem cell(hASC)synergy not only induced monocytes towards IL-10􀀀producing M2 macrophage polarization through the enhancement of hASCs’paracrine effect but also promoted the proliferation and interconnection of both human skeletal muscle myoblasts(HSMMs)and human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)in static triculture conditions.Furthermore,PDSF was successfully prevascularized through a dynamic perfusion coculture of hASCs and HUVECs,which integrated with PDSF and induced the maturation of vascular networks in vitro.In a xenotransplantation model,PDSF demonstrated myoconductive and immunomodulatory properties associated with the predominance of M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells.In a volumetric muscle loss(VML)model,prevascularized PDSF augmented neovascularization and constructive remodeling,which was characterized by the predominant infiltration of M2 macrophages and significant musculofascial tissue formation.These results indicate that hASCs’integration with PDSF enhances the cells’dual function in immunomodulation and angiogenesis.Owing in part to this PDSF-hASC synergy,our platform shows promise for vascularized muscle flap engineering for VML reconstruction.

Review on ultra-lightweight flapping-wing nano air vehicles:Artificial muscles,flight control mechanism,and biomimetic wings

Flying insects are capable of flapping their wings to provide the required power and control forces for flight.A coordinated organizational system including muscles,wings,and control architecture plays a significant role,which provides the sources of inspiration for designing flapping-wing vehicles.In recent years,due to the development of micro-and meso-scale manufacturing technologies,advances in components technologies have directly led to a progress of smaller Flapping-Wing Nano Air Vehicles(FWNAVs)around gram and sub-gram scales,and these air vehicles have gradually acquired insect-like locomotive strategies and capabilities.This paper will present a selective review of components technologies for ultra-lightweight flapping-wing nano air vehicles under 3 g,which covers the novel propulsion methods such as artificial muscles,flight control mechanisms,and the design paradigms of the insect-inspired wings,with a special focus on the development of the driving technologies based on artificial muscles and the progress of the biomimetic wings.The challenges involved in constructing such small flapping-wing air vehicles and recommendations for several possible future directions in terms of component technology enhancements and overall vehicle performance are also discussed in this paper.This review will provide the essential guidelines and the insights for designing a flapping-wing nano air vehicle with higher performance.

腹腔镜直肠癌腹会阴联合切除术后盆底腹膜重建技术的研究进展

探讨低位直肠癌经腹会阴联合切除术后盆底腹膜重建的方法及意义。通过检索直肠癌术后盆底结构重建技术及盆底腹膜重建相关文献,复习直肠癌盆底重建技术发现,直肠癌腹腔镜腹会阴联合切除术后关闭盆底腹膜是有必要的,虽然增加了外科医师的手术难度,但可减少盆腔及会阴区域感染、肠粘连、肠梗阻及放射性肠炎发生率,提高患者生活质量。该文对盆底结构重建方法及盆底腹膜重建的方法及优缺点进行了综述。

臀大肌肌瓣联合筋膜脂肪瓣修复坐骨结节Ⅲ、Ⅳ期压力性损伤的疗效观察

目的探讨臀大肌肌瓣联合筋膜脂肪瓣修复坐骨结节Ⅲ、Ⅳ期压力性损伤的疗效。方法回顾性分析2018年6月—2020年9月陆军九五八医院骨科收治坐骨结节压力性损伤患者15例,男性10例,女性5例;年龄42~75岁,平均63.7岁;病灶累及单侧者12例、双侧者3例。原发疾病为脊髓损伤截瘫者8例,脑血管意外后遗症者4例,骨盆骨折长期卧床者3例。根据2016年修订版国际压疮指南分期,Ⅲ期创面5例、Ⅳ期创面10例。入院时创面面积2.0 cm×5.0 cm~8.5 cm×11.0 cm。一期彻底清创将慢性感染病灶转变为无菌新鲜创面,转移臀大肌肌瓣填塞空腔,设计筋膜脂肪瓣覆盖创口,术后观察切口愈合情况,随访患者压疮复发情况、臀部外观及肌瓣供区继发功能障碍和畸形情况等。结果13例患者切口Ⅰ级愈合,2例患者创面因粪便污染经二期换药后愈合。患者均获16~24个月随访,平均20.3个月。未见压疮复发,患处皮肤质地良好、外形饱满、轻度色素沉着、无窦道形成,供区无继发功能障碍或畸形。结论联合臀大肌肌瓣和筋膜脂肪瓣修复坐骨结节Ⅲ~Ⅳ期压力性损伤的临床效果较佳,术后未见压疮复发,患处皮肤质地和外形良好,供区无继发功能障碍或畸形。

6例颈部淋巴结清扫术并发乳糜漏的诊疗分析

目的总结颈部淋巴结清扫术并发乳糜漏的治疗方法。方法回顾性分析2021年7月—2023年5月诊治的6例乳糜漏患者的临床资料。其中右侧中央区淋巴结清扫术后乳糜漏1例,双侧颈部淋巴结清扫术后左侧乳糜漏5例。6例患者中,术中发生且术后再发乳糜漏1例,术中发生乳糜漏1例,术后发生乳糜漏4例。综合分析术中及术后不同时机乳糜漏的处理方法。结果所有乳糜漏患者经相应措施处理后均治愈。6例患者中,1例术中乳糜漏予以左侧颈静脉角局部结扎+肩胛舌骨肌瓣缝合封堵,术后第2天患者再次乳糜漏,经禁食、静脉营养、卧床休息、持续引流、加压包扎及50%高渗葡萄糖溶液注射等保守治疗后患者治愈;另1例患者术中发生大量乳糜漏,行左侧颈静脉角局部结扎+肩胛舌骨肌瓣肌浆生物胶粘贴封堵,术后患者未出现乳糜漏;其他4例患者术后出现乳糜漏,3例患者经上述保守方法治疗后治愈,另1例患者保守治疗无效,行胸腔镜下胸导管结扎术,术后患者治愈。结论乳糜漏是颈部淋巴结清扫术导致的严重并发症,若术中一旦出现,可行左侧颈静脉角局部结扎+肩胛舌骨肌瓣肌浆粘贴封堵;若术后出现,大部分患者经积极保守治疗后可治愈;若保守治疗效果欠佳,可行胸腔镜下胸导管结扎术。

开颅去大骨瓣减压联合康复治疗急性大面积脑梗死的效果

目的探究急性大面积脑梗死患者开展开颅去大骨瓣减压联合康复治疗的临床效果。方法选择2021年2月—2023年2月高密市人民医院收治的46例急性大面积脑梗死患者为研究对象,按随机数表法分为研究组和对照组,各23例。所有患者全部开展开颅去大骨瓣减压术治疗,对照组予以基础康复治疗,研究组予以综合康复治疗。比较两组患肢关节改良Ashworth分级(Modified Ashworth Scale,MAS)、美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(National Institute of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS)、Fugl-Meyer肢体运动功能量表(Fugl-Meyer Assessment,FMA)、Barthel指数(Barthel Index,BI)影响。结果治疗前,两组MAS评分、NIHSS评分、FMA评分、BI指数比较,差异无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。治疗后,研究组NIHSS评分(15.26±2.21)分、MAS评分(1.18±0.42)分,低于对照组的(17.21±2.70)分、(1.96±0.37)分,差异有统计学意义(t=2.680、6.683,P均<0.05)。治疗后,研究组FMA评分(59.90±8.23)分、BI指数(81.96±10.59)分,高于对照组的(55.50±3.69)分、(72.25±13.36)分,差异有统计学意义(t=2.340、2.708,P均<0.05)。结论急性大面积脑梗死患者开展开颅去大骨瓣减压联合综合康复治疗的效果显著,可改善神经受损情况,提升肢体功能、自理能力。

不同矫正手术治疗老年性下睑内翻合并倒睫的美学效果及对睑板功能的影响

目的:探讨不同矫正手术治疗老年性下睑内翻合并倒睫的美学效果及对睑板功能的影响。方法:选取2020年9月-2023年4月笔者医院收治的老年性下睑内翻合并倒睫患者103例,使用随机数字表法分为研究组(n=51)和对照组(n=52)。对照组患者接受皮肌瓣联合外侧睑板楔形切除术治疗,观察组接受单纯皮肤-眼轮匝肌瓣切除术治疗。比较两组术后美学效果满意度、手术前后眼睑功能、手术相关指标、治疗效果相关指标以及术后并发症发生情况。结果;观察组术后美学效果总满意度为94.12%,高于对照组的80.77%(P<0.05);观察组睑缘评分、睑板腺挤压试验评分低于对照组,睑板腺脂质分泌情况评分高于对照组(P<0.05);两组泪阜显露率、睑裂宽度以及睫毛朝向均高于术前,且观察组高于对照组(P<0.05);两组泪膜破裂时间(Break-up time,BUT)高于术前,泪腺分泌试验(Schirmer’s test,SIT)、角膜荧光素染色试验(Corneal fluorescein staining,CSF)低于术前,且观察组BUT高于对照组,SIT、CSF低于对照组(P<0.05);观察组术后并发症总发生率为7.84%,与对照组的13.46%相比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:单纯皮肤-眼轮匝肌瓣切除术相较于皮肌瓣联合外侧睑板楔形切除术更有利于提高老年性下睑内翻合并倒睫患者整体美观性,改善睑板功能等效果。

Limited thoracoplasty and free musculocutaneous flap transposition for postpneumonectomy empyema: A case report

BACKGROUND Empyema is a severe complication following pneumonectomy that is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.Although there are a wide variety of treatment options,successful management remains challenging when this condition is combined with a large cavity in very thin patients who had previously undergone a posterolateral thoracotomy.CASE SUMMARY We reported the case of a thin,63-year-old man with a progressive pulmonary cyst who underwent left pneumonectomy via posterolateral thoracotomy 23 years ago.After an initially uneventful postoperative course,he was readmitted with empyema and a large cavity 21 years after surgery.He was successfully treated with limited thoracoplasty,followed by free vastus lateralis musculocutaneous flap transposition.CONCLUSION This case highlights that the treatment mode of limited thoracoplasty and free vastus lateralis musculocutaneous flap transposition is safe and effective for the management of postpneumonectomy empyema with a large cavity in thin patients who had previously undergone a posterolateral thoracotomy.