[The outcome of modified procedure for pectus carinatum correction].

OBJECTIVE

To improve the surgical procedure to correct pectus carinatum.

METHODS

From 1990 to 2003, 9 patients with pectus carinatum were treated, whose ages ranged from 3 years and 6 months to 16 years. The conventional operation was performed on 4 patients, the modified procedure on 5 patients. The modified procedure included: (1) the shortening rib periosteum was not sutured transversally; (2) the corrected position of the sternum was stabilized with the metal strut.

RESULTS

In 4 patients corrected by the conventional procedure, the sternum depression as pectus excavatum occurred in 1 case five years postoperatively. The results were satisfactory in 5 patients corrected by the modified procedure. The reconstructed thorax was symmetrical, without bulging or dimpling of sternum and costal cartilage.

CONCLUSION

The improvement of operative method is reasonable and effective in correcting pectus carinatum.