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

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.