Surgery
In patients who have finished growing and have a severe PC, surgery might be the only option. Surgical correction involves a technique called the Ravitch Procedure. This procedure is completed with an incision (cut) in the mid-chest area to remove anterior (in the front) cartilage. Stainless-steel struts are sometimes placed across the anterior chest to support the breastbone and are wired to the appropriate ribs on each side, allowing the breastbone to be elevated. The struts are removed later through a second surgical procedure which is typically done 2-3 years later.
The procedure takes several hours. Recovery and success rates for surgery range from good to excellent. As with any surgery, there are risks. While uncommon, bleeding, infection, or the buildup of fluid or air around your lungs are possibilities.
The surgical repair of pectus carinatum can be a painful
procedure. Length of stay in the hospital is determined primarily by pain
control. Patients are usually discharged when they are comfortable on oral pain
medication, are eating and drinking without difficulty and have no fever or
signs of an infection.
Surgery links:
