Pectus excavatum is a malformation of the chest wall characterized by the “sinking” of the sternum causing an unsightly deformity. In severe cases it can cause pulmonary restriction or cardiac problems and is treated with surgery from the age of 12-13 years. Currently, there are several surgical options depending on the deformity and severity.
Ravitch technique
The correction is performed without entering the thoracic cavity, avoiding the risk of internal injury through a minimal horizontal incision in the sternum. In this technique the deformed costal cartilages are removed, the sternum is repositioned in its normal position by means of an osteotomy and stabilized with a metal bar.
Nuss technique
It consists of placing a metal bar inside the thoracic cavity by means of a videothoracoscopy. This bar is maintained for at least 3 years for the sternum to recover its normal shape. In this surgery the incisions are made on both sides of the thorax, they are small and inconspicuous.
Taulinoplasty
Innovative method in which a sternal traction is performed with a metal bar that is placed in front of the sternum and ribs. Thanks to this technique, good aesthetic results are obtained.
What are the advantages of these techniques?
The advantages we get with these methods, the use of minimally invasive surgery and new anesthetic techniques are:
- Minimal blood loss
- Much shorter recovery time
- Almost total absence of pain in the postoperative period.
- Improved pulmonary restriction
- Excellent aesthetic result
- Recovery of the adolescent’s self-esteem
After the operation, the patient will remain in the post-anesthesia recovery unit for 1 to 3 hours. Subsequently, you will be transferred to the room where the admission time is 3 days.