Pectus Excavatum

Pectus excavatum, a condition characterised by inward displacement of the sternum and ribs, is a common deformity that affects both children and adults. While traditional surgical approaches for correcting the condition involve large incisions and extensive tissue dissection, minimally-invasive techniques at Neumark Surgery offer the potential for correction of the deformity with smaller incisions and minimal tissue disruption, minimising recovery time and surgical complications.

What Is Pectus Excavatum?

Patients with pectus excavatum appear to have a “sunken chest”, with the centre of their chest shifting inwards as if it has partially collapsed. This indentation results from the breast bone growing inwards and is an abnormal development of the sternum.

Pectus excavatum occurs in roughly 1 in every 300 –400 births, with a higher rate in males than females. It is only diagnosable in the teenage years as the body develops.

While many adults live with the condition without treatment, severe cases can compress the heart and lungs. Pectus excavatum later in life can lead to physical difficulties since the indentation in the chest makes it unable to expand fully, reducing the space inside the chest cavity and potentially leading to a heart murmur.

Physical symptoms may include: shortness of breath after exercise, lower stamina compared to peers of similar age groups, fatigue, pain in the chest area or an irregular heartbeat. The psychological impact of pectus excavatum ranges from self-esteem issues to clinical depression, in extreme cases.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with a Neumark specialist to discuss surgical treatment, especially now that advanced technology can significantly reduce the recovery time and potential surgical complications.

Novel Approach to Improve Pectus Excavatum Surgical Outcomes

Pectus excavatum, or ‘sunken chest’ surgery, corrects the chest deformity and enhances a patient’s breathing and cardiac function. The objective of pectus excavatum is to correct the deformity in the chest and, if relevant, improve the patient’s respiratory and cardiac ability.In the past, surgeries required a more invasive approach. Today, the minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair procedure is performed by a specially trained surgeon. The Pectus excavatum Nuss procedure involves inserting a curved titanium bar under the breast bone to reposition it to a more normal, outward position. The bar is left in place for approximately three years and will later be removed when the chest becomes aligned, restoring regular function and appearance of the chest.

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Paediatric Pectus Excavatum Correction

Pectus excavatum is often hereditary, with 25 percent of cases in families. Adolescents with severe cases and associated symptoms can opt for minimally invasive surgical repair during their teenage years. The Nuss procedure has similar outcomes in both adult and teenage patients, making it a viable option for pectus excavatum surgery for adults.

To determine the best pectus excavatum treatment option for children, a CT scan may be recommended to measure the depth of the depression. Exercise stress tests, pulmonary function tests, or an echocardiogram may also be required before surgery. Depending on the method and the patient’s condition, surgery can take 1 to 3 hours, with very few reported pectus excavatum complications. Common post-surgery symptoms, including chest and back pain, are the same in children as in adults.

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FAQs about Pectus Excavatum

What causes pectus excavatum?

The cause of the condition remains unknown. It appears to occur by itself, though there is a possibility it is hereditary. ‘Funnel’ chest is sometimes associated with other conditions, such as scoliosis or Marfan’s syndrome, which both involve the abnormal development of bone within the body.

Should I get pectus excavatum surgery?

This varies greatly depending on the condition. If you find yourself able to live your regular life with no physical limitations and small psychological effects, then it is perfectly fine to continue living with the condition. However, if you find that your pectus excavatum pain is affecting both your physical and mental wellbeing, it is worth exploring options, rather than accepting the condition. The cost of pectus excavatum surgery may be covered by some insurance plans.

Is pectus excavatum surgery dangerous?

Like any other surgery, there are potential dangers involved. The minimally-invasive repair used by Neumark surgeons significantly reduces the risk, but it is impossible to eliminate risk entirely. Most patients undergo a completely successful surgery, with no complications.

Should my child undergo pectus excavatum surgery?

Like with adults, this depends on the condition. Some children do outgrow the condition. If necessary, a CT scan can be performed to assess if the pectus excavatum in toddlers poses any danger.

What kind of physical activity should be avoided after surgery?

Most patients find that their physical symptoms are significantly reduced after they recover from their surgery. Some forms of rigorous physical activity may have to be avoided following surgery, to ensure the recovery is smooth. You may be provided with a set of exercises, to avoid stiffness and encourage flexibility, to help both with the recovery following the initial surgery and the surgery when the bar is removed.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The use of this website does not create a doctor-patient relationship and no medical advice should be inferred or assumed. It is the user’s sole responsibility to seek the advice of their healthcare professionals for any medical concerns they may have and the user should not disregard, or delay, prompt medical advice for any such condition.

Comprehensive Private Consultations

Neumark Lung and Chest Surgery Centre benefits from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Harish Mithiran, senior consulting thoracic surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital and Mt Alvernia Hospital.

Neumark is a lung and chest specialist centre with access to leading treatment modalities to achieve the best possible outcomes for lung disease and preventative patient screening.

Our foremost priority is to treat your condition as effectively as possible. Schedule a private consultation today; complete the form below, call, +65 6908 2145; WhatsApp, +65 9726 2485; or email, info@neumarksurgery.com.