Surgical treatment of pectus excavatum: 30 years 398 patients of experiences

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Published on: January 5, 2015

Ting-ze Hu1, Yuan Li, Wen-ying Liu

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan 610041, PR China. liyuanletters@163.com

Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|July 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study reviewed 398 pectus excavatum (PE) patients, finding modified sternal elevation surgery effectively restores chest contour and function. The technique offers excellent long-term cosmetic and physiologic results with few complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Congenital Deformities

Background:

  • Pectus excavatum (PE) is a common congenital chest wall deformity.
  • Surgical correction aims to improve cosmetic appearance and cardiopulmonary function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review surgical experiences with pectus excavatum (PE) chest deformities.
  • Evaluate outcomes of a modified sternal elevation technique over 30 years.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 398 PE patients (1975-2005).
  • Surgical repair involved subperiosteal cartilage resection, sternal osteotomy, and internal metal strut support.
  • Five key technical details were consistently applied.

Main Results:

  • High success rate (98.74%) in achieving normal costal cage contour.
  • Improved exercise tolerance and normalized cardiac function post-surgery.
  • Slow but eventual recovery of pulmonary function observed.

Conclusions:

  • The modified sternal elevation technique with 5 key principles yields excellent long-term cosmetic and physiologic outcomes.
  • This approach results in a low complication rate for pectus excavatum repair.
  • Restoration of normal chest wall appearance and cardiopulmonary function is achievable.
Abstract

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