Pectus Excavatum: Consensus and Controversies in Clinical Practice.
Nicky Janssen1, Jean H T Daemen1, Elise J van Polen1
1Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Zuyderland Medical Centre, Heerlen, the Netherlands.
This study sought consensus on pectus excavatum care. International experts agreed on diagnostic protocols, surgical indications, and postoperative follow-up to standardize treatment for this common chest wall deformity.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Congenital Deformities
- Medical Consensus
Background:
- Pectus excavatum is the most frequent congenital anterior chest wall deformity.
- Current diagnostic and surgical criteria lack standardization, leading to varied patient care.
- No established guidelines exist, contributing to heterogeneity in clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate consensus and identify controversies in the diagnostic protocol for pectus excavatum.
- To determine agreement on indications for surgical correction.
- To establish consensus on postoperative evaluation methods.
Main Methods:
- A three-round international survey was conducted among participants evaluating statements on pectus excavatum care.
- Consensus was defined as agreement from at least 70% of participants.
- A low response rate of 18% (57 participants) was noted.
Main Results:
- Consensus was reached on 18 out of 62 statements (29%).
- Agreed diagnostic measures include conventional photography, with ECG/echocardiography for cardiac concerns and spirometry for pulmonary issues.
- Consensus was achieved on surgical indications (symptomatic cases, progression) and postoperative imaging (plain chest radiograph) and follow-up (photography, physical exam).
Conclusions:
- A multiround survey facilitated the formation of international consensus on key aspects of pectus excavatum management.
- The findings aim to aid in the standardization of care for patients with pectus excavatum.
- Further efforts are needed to address the remaining areas of disagreement.
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