Pectus excavatum and carinatum: the how, when, and why of surgical correction

Correction of pectus excavatum using a sternal elevator: preliminary report

Operative procedures to correct the deformity caused by pectus excavatum are generally based on either sternal elevation or turnover. In either case, the operation is highly invasive. By considering the softness of the costal cartilages in early childhood, we have developed an endoscopically assisted procedure that applies external traction continuously in order to elevate the depressed sternum and costal cartilages. Since August 1993, we have performed this operation in 11 patients with pectus excavatum who ranged in age from 3 years 1 month to 28 years. The traction screws came loose spontaneously in two early cases. Augmentation transfer of a latissimus dorsi muscle flap and dermal fat grafting were subsequently performed in these two patients, respectively. We achieved an excellent cosmetic outcome in the other nine patients, with results similar to those achieved with the conventional operation. Our technique is a two-stage procedure and the patient is limited in performing daily activities while wearing the traction device. Despite this drawback it can achieve permanent correction of the deformity. Accordingly, this method should be considered when pectus excavatum is corrected surgically, particularly in infants and young children.

A 10-year review of a minimally invasive technique for the correction of pectus excavatum

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess the results of a 10-year experience with a minimally invasive operation that requires neither cartilage incision nor resection for correction of pectus excavatum.

METHODS

From 1987 to 1996, 148 patients were evaluated for chest wall deformity. Fifty of 127 patients suffering from pectus excavatum were selected for surgical correction. Eight older patients underwent the Ravitch procedure, and 42 patients under age 15 were treated by the minimally invasive technique. A convex steel bar is inserted under the sternum through small bilateral thoracic incisions. The steel bar is inserted with the convexity facing posteriorly, and when it is in position, the bar is turned over, thereby correcting the deformity. After 2 years, when permanent remolding has occurred, the bar is removed in an outpatient procedure.

RESULTS

Of 42 patients who had the minimally invasive procedure, 30 have undergone bar removal. Initial excellent results were maintained in 22, good results in four, fair in two, and poor in two, with mean follow-up since surgery of 4.6 years (range, 1 to 9.2 years). Mean follow-up since bar removal is 2.8 years (range, 6 months to 7 years). Average blood loss was 15 mL. Average length of hospital stay was 4.3 days. Patients returned to full activity after 1 month. Complications were pneumothorax in four patients, requiring thoracostomy in one patient; superficial wound infection in one patient; and displacement of the steel bar requiring revision in two patients. The fair and poor results occurred early in the series because (1) the bar was too soft (three patients), (2) the sternum was too soft in one of the patients with Marfan's syndrome, and (3) in one patient with complex thoracic anomalies, the bar was removed too soon.

CONCLUSIONS

This minimally invasive technique, which requires neither cartilage incision nor resection, is effective. Since increasing the strength of the steel bar and inserting two bars where necessary, we have had excellent long-term results. The upper limits of age for this procedure require further evaluation.

The 're-do' chest wall deformity correction

BACKGROUND

A small percentage of patients who undergo surgical correction of a chest wall deformity will have results so unsatisfactory that a second procedure, the so-called "re-do," will be required.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature contains very little information regarding the technique and results of these procedures. Based on experience with 18 "re-do" procedures, the authors believe that recurrent deformities should be surgically corrected. Although this is a somewhat diverse group based on age at the first and second procedure, type of original operative procedure, and interval between the procedures, the operative approach is standard, and the results are predictable.

Vascularized rib strut technique for repair of pectus excavatum

A vascularized rib strut based on the anterior intercostal branch of the internal mammary artery was applied to provide rigid internal fixation of the chest wall after correction of pectus excavatum. The procedure is simple and has substantial advantages when compared with techniques using metallic struts or nonvascularized free rib grafts.

A simplified approach to the repair of pediatric pectus deformities

For the past 14 years, a simplified operation utilizing a metal strut for internal fixation has been used to repair pectus anomalies in 123 children. Subperichondrial cartilage resection is preformed through small incisions in the pectoral muscles. No sternal osteotomy required. A malleable strut is passed transsternally and removed in four to six months, frequently under local anesthesia. All children who underwent this procedure were discharged within five to six days, and no transfusions were necessary. The use of the technique has shortened operative time and decreased the necessity for extensive postoperative pulmonary physiotherapy. In 75 children followed for over 5 years, cosmetic results have been excellent, and self-image has improved substantially. In only 1 child was there a recurrence impressive enough to warrant reoperation.

The surgical treatment of pectus excavatum: an experience with 90 operations

Funnel chest, a congenital hereditary deformity, may lead to impairment of cardiopulmonary function. The predominant motives for operation are psychological and cosmetic. Patients with minor deformities amenable to physiotherapy should not be operated upon, but moderately severe defects justify surgical intervention. Objective photographic documentation is essential. Because of their importance to surgical technique and results, the symmetrical, asymmetrical, localized, and extensive deformities should be distinguished. Ninety operations were performed between 1951 and 1974 according to the various techniques known during that period. Results were irregular until the introduction eight years ago of an operation combining extensive resection according to Ravitch and stabilization by a metal strut as recommended by Adkins and others. Of 24 operations performed during the last eight years, 23 have given excellent long-term results.