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Pectus excavatum. Late results with and without operation
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Pectus excavatum surgery can be effective, especially radical procedures in children aged 3-6. Long-term outcomes depend more on the surgical method than patient factors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Medical History
Background:
- Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity.
- Associated anomalies can impact infant mortality.
- Natural history varies from mild to severe disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate long-term outcomes of pectus excavatum treatment.
- Compare operative vs. non-operative management.
- Identify factors influencing surgical success.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 334 pectus excavatum patients (1948-1977).
- Analysis of outcomes for 168 non-operated and 166 operated patients.
- Long-term follow-up assessing deformity, symptoms, and disability.
Main Results:
- 18% infant mortality in non-operated due to anomalies; deformity improved in survivors.
- No surgical mortality; 5-year satisfactory results in 68% of operated patients.
- Late results deteriorated, linked to surgical technique over patient factors.
Conclusions:
- Surgery is justified for appropriate pectus excavatum cases.
- Optimal surgical timing is between 3-6 years; radical procedures yield superior results.
- Improved objective long-term evaluation methods are needed.
