Surgical correction of pectus excavatum

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• Progressive sagging can occur after funnel chest correction without fixed sternal support.
• Previous methods sometimes led to suboptimal long-term results despite initial success.
• This highlights the need for improved surgical techniques for pectus excavatum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a double sternal support technique for funnel chest correction.
• To assess the long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction with this surgical approach.
• To determine the optimal method for sternal support in pectus excavatum repair.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a double sternal support technique, initially with soft tissue and later with a rigid stainless steel bar.
• Surgical correction of pectus excavatum (funnel chest) in pediatric patients.
• Long-term follow-up to assess outcomes, complications, and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• 94% of 37 children achieved excellent or satisfactory results with the double sternal support method.
• The use of a rigid stainless steel bar at the lower sternum provided superior support.
• Low morbidity and zero mortality were observed; complications were linked to premature bar removal or incomplete cartilage excision.

Conclusions:

• The double sternal support technique, particularly with a stainless steel bar, offers highly effective and durable correction for severe pectus excavatum.
• Avoiding specific surgical pitfalls leads to uniformly excellent outcomes.
• Correction improves patient appearance, activity, and psychological well-being, justifying its offer to low-risk children.