J Kowalewski1, M Brocki, K Zolyński. 1. First Surgical Department, Military Medical Academy, Lodz, Poland. wam1klch@polbox.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recurrence after correction of pectus excavatum may sometimes occur, but its origin is not clear. The type of deformity, surgical technique, and patient lifestyle after operation can all affect the final shape of the thorax. The purpose of the present study was to compare the short-, medium-, and long-term cosmetic results of funnel chest repair. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients (mean age, 12.1+/-5.4 years; 48 male) were operated on for pectus excavatum using the same surgical technique: subperichondrial resection of the abnormal costal cartilages and stabilization of the elevated anterior chest wall with Kirschner's wires. The patients were followed up every year (1 to 10 years) after operation, and the anterior chest wall contour was checked by physical examination and x-ray film. RESULTS: Excellent to good cosmetic results 1 year after operation were achieved in 66 patients (97.1%). During the later follow-up period, a mild or moderate degree of recurrent sternal depression was noted in 6 patients (8.8%), teenagers only, 3 to 9 years after primary repair. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique for correction of pectus excavatum yields good short-term cosmetic results. Late recurrence of the deformity occurs during pubertal growth and does not appear to depend on surgical technique or length of follow-up.
BACKGROUND: Recurrence after correction of pectus excavatum may sometimes occur, but its origin is not clear. The type of deformity, surgical technique, and patient lifestyle after operation can all affect the final shape of the thorax. The purpose of the present study was to compare the short-, medium-, and long-term cosmetic results of funnel chest repair. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients (mean age, 12.1+/-5.4 years; 48 male) were operated on for pectus excavatum using the same surgical technique: subperichondrial resection of the abnormal costal cartilages and stabilization of the elevated anterior chest wall with Kirschner's wires. The patients were followed up every year (1 to 10 years) after operation, and the anterior chest wall contour was checked by physical examination and x-ray film. RESULTS: Excellent to good cosmetic results 1 year after operation were achieved in 66 patients (97.1%). During the later follow-up period, a mild or moderate degree of recurrent sternal depression was noted in 6 patients (8.8%), teenagers only, 3 to 9 years after primary repair. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique for correction of pectus excavatum yields good short-term cosmetic results. Late recurrence of the deformity occurs during pubertal growth and does not appear to depend on surgical technique or length of follow-up.
Authors: Ali Karakılıç; Volkan Karaçam; Hasan Ersöz; İsmail Ağababaoğlu; Fatma İlknur Ulugün; Aydın Şanlı Journal: Turk Gogus Kalp Damar Cerrahisi Derg Date: 2018-04-30 Impact factor: 0.332