[Re-operation of pectus excavatum]

We performed surgical reconstruction on 1655 cases of deformed thoracic cage, we later operated again on 11 of these to repair postoperatively re-deformed anterior chest walls. Based on these experiences, we have concluded as follows. 1: Postoperative recurrence of funnel chest deforming is mainly due to insufficient resection of costal cartilages. In particular transection of the sternum at low levels during sternal turn-over procedure results in postoperative recurrence of depression in the upper anterior chest wall. 2: In young children who have undergone sternal turn-over procedure, the first and second costal bones and cartilages overgrow and protrude anteriorly, and in compensation their junctions to the sternum recess posteriorly. This results in a depression in the upper anterior chest wall. 3: We recommend sternal turn-over with overlapping of the sternum for repair of postoperative funnel chest deformity. Through this procedure, the extent of resection of costal cartilages can easily be determined and the depression of the anterior chest wall satisfactorily reconstructed. 4: In re-do surgery, we obtained pathological evidence confirming our clinical experience that our sternal turn-over technique does not interfere with blood circulation or development of the turned-over sternum even though the sternum is not connected to the rectus abdominus muscle pedicle, preserved internal mammary vessels, or anastomosis of the internal mammary vessels.