[Surgical treatment of funnel chest. Surgical experience with 90 cases]

Funnel chest, a congenital hereditary deformity, may lead to impairment of cardio-pulmonary function. The predominant motives for operation are psychological and cosmetic. Minor deformities amenable to physiotherapy should not be operated on, but moderately severe one represent a justified surgical indication. Objective photographic documentation is essential. Because of their bearing on surgical technic and results the symmetrical, asymmetrical, localized and extensive deformities should be distinguished. 90 operations have been performed between 1951 and 1974 according to the different known technics published during that period. Results were irregular until the introduction, eight years ago, of an operation combining extensive resection, by the method of RAVITCH, and stabilization by a metal strut as recommended by ADKINS et al. 24 operations performed during the last eight years have afforded perfect long term results.