Trunk reconstruction is the reconstruction by plastic surgery specialists of tissue integrity disrupted in the chest, abdomen, and back regions of the body due to causes such as cancer surgery, severe trauma, or excessive weight loss. These comprehensive operations include not only providing skin coverage but also restoring the stability of the skeletal system that protects vital organs and critical functional dynamics such as the abdominal wall. Thanks to modern medical technologies and advanced surgical techniques, all damaged anatomical layers are repaired using the patient\u2019s own tissues, restoring both healthy function and a natural aesthetic form to the body at the same time.<\/p>\n
| What Is Trunk Reconstruction?<\/span><\/td>\n | Trunk reconstruction is the general name given to reconstructive surgical procedures performed to repair tissue loss in the chest, abdomen, back, and lateral trunk regions caused by cancer surgery, trauma, infection, burns, or congenital factors. The aim is both to restore functional integrity and improve aesthetic appearance.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n| In Which Conditions Is It Performed?<\/span><\/td>\n | It may be performed for defects occurring after chest wall tumors, abdominal wall loss, large soft tissue deficiencies, trauma, chronic wounds, pressure ulcers, tissue loss following infection, tissue damage caused by radiotherapy, and burn sequelae.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Objectives<\/span><\/td>\n | The objectives are to restore tissue integrity, protect internal organs, ensure the stability of the abdominal or chest wall, reduce the risk of infection, minimize functional loss, and improve aesthetic appearance.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Reconstruction Methods<\/span><\/td>\n | Primary closure, skin grafts, local flaps, regional flaps, muscle or musculocutaneous flaps, microsurgical free tissue transfers, and biological or synthetic support materials when necessary may be used.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Commonly Used Flaps<\/span><\/td>\n | The latissimus dorsi flap, rectus abdominis flap, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, tensor fascia lata flap, omental flap, and other local or free flaps may be preferred according to the location and size of the defect.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Chest Wall Reconstruction<\/span><\/td>\n | In cases of rib, sternum, or extensive soft tissue loss, flaps and support materials when necessary may be used together to restore chest wall stability.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Abdominal Wall Reconstruction<\/span><\/td>\n | In large abdominal wall defects, the goals are to protect the intra-abdominal organs, restore abdominal wall integrity, and prevent the development of hernias.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Preoperative Evaluation<\/span><\/td>\n | The patient\u2019s general health condition, nutritional status, smoking habits, existing infections, previous surgeries, radiotherapy history, and the characteristics of the defect are evaluated in detail.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Operation Duration<\/span><\/td>\n | Although it varies depending on the scope of the reconstruction, minor procedures may take a few hours, while complex interventions requiring microsurgery may take longer.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Anesthesia<\/span><\/td>\n | Most trunk reconstruction procedures are performed under general anesthesia.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Hospital Stay<\/span><\/td>\n | It may vary from several days to several weeks depending on the surgical method performed, the size of the wound, and the patient\u2019s general condition.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Postoperative Follow-Up<\/span><\/td>\n | Wound healing, flap circulation, drains, signs of infection, and the overall recovery process are monitored regularly.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Physical Activity<\/span><\/td>\n | Heavy lifting and movements that increase intra-abdominal pressure are avoided during the early period. The activity plan is gradually increased according to the surgeon\u2019s recommendations.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation<\/span><\/td>\n | When necessary, physical therapy may be applied to increase muscle strength, preserve mobility, and accelerate the return to daily living activities.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Possible Risks and Complications<\/span><\/td>\n | Bleeding, infection, wound separation, seroma, hematoma, flap circulation impairment or loss, tissue necrosis, hernia formation, chronic pain, and aesthetic irregularities may occur.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Risks Specific to Microsurgery<\/span><\/td>\n | If vascular occlusion develops in free flaps, flap circulation may be impaired and early surgical intervention may be required.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Effect of Smoking<\/span><\/td>\n | Smoking may delay wound healing and increase the risk of infection and flap loss. It is recommended to stop smoking before and after surgery.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Recovery Process<\/span><\/td>\n | The recovery period varies according to the reconstruction method performed, the size of the defect, and the patient\u2019s general health condition. Complete functional recovery may take weeks or months.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Long-Term Follow-Up<\/span><\/td>\n | The durability of the reconstruction, functional outcomes, aesthetic appearance, and follow-up of the underlying disease are evaluated through regular check-ups.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Quality of Life<\/span><\/td>\n | Successful trunk reconstruction may significantly improve mobility, daily living activities, body integrity, and quality of life.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Who May Not Be Suitable?<\/span><\/td>\n | Different treatment options may be considered for patients whose general health is not suitable for surgery, who have severe circulatory disorders, uncontrolled infection, or a very high surgical risk.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | Expected Results<\/span><\/td>\n | The aim of reconstruction is to restore the anatomical and functional integrity of the trunk region, protect the organs, and achieve the best possible aesthetic result. Outcomes may vary according to the size of the defect, the method applied, and the individual recovery process.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n | |