[Correction of funnel chest using the Senning-Johanson method].

Between 1962 and 1987 52 patients underwent surgical reconstruction of pectus excavatum at the University Hospital of Zurich using the Senning-Johanson method, first published in 1974. The technique of Senning-Johanson consists of a Y-shaped sternotomy and a transsection of the involved ribs from inside of the thoracic cage, thereby avoiding a dissection of the anterior chest wall. The average age of the 36 men and 16 women was 20 years (range 12-33). The internal sterno-vertebral distance, which we consider to be a good parameter for determining the anatomic dimension of a funnel-chest, was extended by the operation from an average of 5.8 cm (range 2.5 to 10) to 10.1 cm (range 6.1 to 14) or 74% of the original value. The physical working capacity in sitting position was improved by 10%. The vital capacity was preoperatively normal and was not changed by the operation. Thirty-seven patients considered the operative result to be good, in twelve it was satisfactory, and in three bad. The funnel-chest repair using the Senning-Johanson method can be recommended as a successful procedure with relatively few complications for the adult patient.