Surgical diseases of the thoracic wall diagnostics and therapy

The present article describes the anatomical and physiological fundamentals of the thoracic wall. Part of the first section is the description of the different approaches to the thoracic cavity as well as closure options. Additionally, a description of common surgical diseases of the thoracic wall are discussed. For each disease, clinical presentation, diagnostic workup and therapy is described. Because of possible large thoracic wall defects after surgery, this article also focusses on reconstructive techniques.