Customised silicone prostheses for the reconstruction of chest wall defects: technique of manufacture and final outcome.

Chest wall reconstruction with a customised silicone prosthesis in 13 patients (five patients with pectus excavatum, six Poland's syndrome and two with post-surgical chest wall deformity) is presented. An alginate impression or CT scan with three-dimensional reconstruction was used to produce the final mould from which the silicone prosthesis was fabricated. The surface of the silicone implant was roughened to reduce capsular contracture and holes were incorporated to allow for tissue integration. Twelve patients had aesthetically acceptable results after a mean of 5 years follow up. This series indicates that accurate assessment of the defect, modifications on manufacture and proper placement of the implant result in a more satisfactory final outcome.