Minimally-invasive endoscopic correction of funnel chest deformity via an umbilical incision.

Congenital funnel chest deformities (pectus excavatum) are a well known condition that may require surgical correction if repercussions on the respiratory and cardiac dynamics are caused by the compression on the mediastinal structures and by the reduction of the respiratory volume. However, the aesthetic defect may have serious psychological implications and-even if no respiratory impairment is caused-may nevertheless indicate aesthetic correction by implanting a custom-made prosthesis. Alloplastic correction traditionally results in long, visible scars. Since the presternal area is prone to hypertrophic scarring, this type of scar may be a disturbing complication of the intervention. Endoscopically-assisted minimally-invasive implantation of customized implants via an umbilical incision to introduce a customized single-unit silicone implant can avoid unsightly scarring and allows safe hemostasis in the dissection pocket, minimizing well-known side effects and patient morbidity.