Minimal invasive extrathoracic presternal compression using a metal bar for correction of pectus carinatum

Abstract

Background: This report presents early results of surgical experience of minimal invasive extrathoracic presternal compression using a metal bar for correction of the pectus carinatum.

Methods: From February 2008 to February 2012, 15 patients with combined pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum underwent minimal invasive extrathoracic presternal compression using a metal bar for correction of pectus carinatum and Nuss operation for pectus excavatum. After 2 years, bar removal was done in all patients. In this paper, we focused on pectus carinatum repair. The effects and complications of the minimally invasive extrathoracic presternal compression using a metal bar for correction of pectus carinatum were reviewed.

Results: The median age was 15.7 years. The mean operation time for pectus carinatum with pectus excavatum was 122 min. The median length of hospitalization was 6 days. The Haller pectus index of pectus carinatum was 2.93 ± 0.36 pre-operatively and this was increased to 3.33 ± 0.61 post-operatively. There were no special complications. The degree of satisfaction of pectus carinatum correction was 3.75 ± 0.46 (range 1-4).

Conclusion: Our results were favorable in spite of the small number of cases and short follow-up, and our modified technique of pectus carinatum was easy and simple. However, long-term follow-up is needed to accurately evaluate the effects of this surgery in many cases.