A simple idea for approximating the volume of filler needed for chest-wall contour-defects

Fillers can be used to correct contour-defects. Due to the irregularities of defects, estimating the volume of filler required can be difficult. This frequently results in surgeons taking a step-wise approach to filler-injection, usually occurring over different appointments. Using a patient with pectus excavatum as an example, we provide a simple tip as to estimating the volume of filler required. In this case, normal saline was poured into the chest-wall defect until the adequate level was reached (from the lateral aspect), while noting how much liquid was used. The patient then had a comparable volume of filler injected.