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Problems in chest wall reconstruction imply two basic considerations: the anatomical defect and the physiological deficit. That is, both sides of the thorax must be stabilized to prevent paradoxical motion, and adequate protection must be provided to mediastinal structures. Transposed muscles are invaluable material in the repair of chest wall defects following resection. The strength of the muscle, its size and good blood supply make it suitable for pleural seal, stabilization and mediastinal protection. Recently we experienved 8 cases of chest wall defects which were reconstructed using various muscle or myocutaneous flaps such as latissmus dorsi, pectoralis major, and rectus abdomonis. The postoperative results were excellent anatomically, physiologically and aethetically, and there was no complications such as infection, flap necrosis, or wound problem. So we present our 8 cases and discuss the necessity, versatitilty of the muscle flaps and their advantages.
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