Congenital Chest Wall Deformities: a Modified Surgical Technique

• Published in: Acta chirurgica belgica 2007-06, Vol.107 (3), p.313-316
• Main Authors: Isik, A. F., Tuncozgur, B., Elbeyli, L., Akar, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Wires; Chest wall deformity; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Funnel Chest - diagnostic imaging; Funnel Chest - surgery; General aspects; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Osteotomy - methods; pectus excavatum; Postoperative Complications - diagnostic imaging; Radiography; Sternum - abnormalities; Sternum - diagnostic imaging; Sternum - surgery; Thoracic Wall - abnormalities; Thoracic Wall - diagnostic imaging; Thoracic Wall - surgery
• ISSN: 0001-5458
• DOI: 10.1080/00015458.2007.11680063

Background: Congenital chest wall deformities are the most common disorders among the other congenital diseases in thoracic surgery. Standard surgical techniques seem to be sufficient, but to prevent recurrence and complications other surgical approaches have to be chosen, such as freeing the sternum from the second rib cartilage to the costal arch, completely and bilaterally, and external application of Kirschner wire for stabilization. Patients and Methods: Between 1996 and 2005, 47 patients with congenital chest wall deformities were examined. The surgical method consists of resecting rib cartilages from the second rib up to the costal arch bilaterally and the application of Kirschner wire for the stabilization of the chest wall. Results: No mortality occurred. Three patients had complications, such as wound infection and pneumothorax. Kirschner wire was removed on the 15th day (between 10-21 days). Mean hospital stay was 16.5 days (10-23 days). Patients were followed up between 2 months and 6 years. No recurrence was observed. Conclusion: To prevent recurrence and complications for cosmetic surgery is quite important. For this reason, the surgical technique has to be carried out carefully. Kirschner wire is useful for the stabilization of the chest wall with no risk of infection, foreign body reaction, or the need for a second operation for removal.