Two-staged Correction for Pouter Pigeon Chest: A Less Invasive Procedure

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Pediatric surgery
• Surgical innovation

Background:

• Traditional surgical correction for pouter pigeon chest deformity involves extensive procedures like total costal cartilage removal and sternal dissection.
• Minimally invasive techniques are sought to reduce surgical morbidity and improve patient outcomes.

Observation:

• A novel two-stage surgical technique was developed for pouter pigeon chest deformity.
• The first stage utilized the Nuss procedure to elevate the depressed lower chest.
• The second stage, performed 30 months later, involved minimal costal cartilage excision and manubriosternal osteotomy for upper chest correction.

Findings:

• The minimally invasive technique resulted in significantly reduced operative time and blood loss (20 mL).
• The patient experienced a short postoperative hospital stay (7 days).
• The two-stage approach effectively corrected both lower and upper chest deformities.

Implications:

• This novel technique offers a less invasive surgical option for pouter pigeon chest deformity, potentially reducing recovery time and complications.
• The procedure's reliance on manual bending of costal cartilages suggests suitability for younger patients, specifically early teenagers.
• Further research and application in a broader patient cohort are warranted to validate long-term efficacy and refine indications.