[Surgical correction of chest wall abnormalities]

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Pediatric surgery
• Plastic and reconstructive surgery

Context:

• Pectus deformities, including funnel chest and pigeon breast, are often treated surgically primarily for cosmetic reasons.
• Cardial or respiratory symptoms are infrequent in patients with these chest wall anomalies.
• The Brunner surgical technique is a straightforward procedure with minimal risk.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the cosmetic and long-term results of the Brunner surgical procedure for pectus deformities.
• To determine the optimal age for surgical correction of chest wall deformities, considering recurrence rates.

Summary:

• The Brunner procedure offers good cosmetic and long-term results for pectus deformities, with a reported recurrence rate of 16.6%.
• Surgical correction in early childhood is associated with a higher likelihood of recurrence.
• The study recommends surgical intervention for chest wall deformities after the age of 12.

Impact:

• Provides evidence-based guidance on the timing of surgical correction for pectus deformities to minimize recurrence.
• Highlights the effectiveness and safety of the Brunner procedure for improving cosmetic outcomes.
• Informs clinical practice regarding patient selection and age considerations for pectus deformity surgery.