ObjectiveTo explore the method and experience in correction of pectus carinatum with minimally invasive procedure.
MethodsBetween June 2010 and January 2014, 30 patients with pectus carinatum were corrected by minimally invasive procedure. There were 21 boys and 9 girls whose average age was 13 years and 2 months (range, from 8 years and 10 months to 18 years and 9 months), including 24 cases of first operation, 2 recurrence after traditional pectus carinatum correction, and 4 cases secondary to median thoracotomy. Thirty patients had symmetric and asymmetric mild pectus carinatum.
ResultsThe operation was performed successfully in all patients, and no severe complication occurred. The operation time was 42-95 minutes (mean, 70 minutes). The bleeding volume during operation was 4-30 mL (mean, 10 mL). The time from operation to discharge was 6-10 days (mean, 7 days). The average time of follow-up was 25 months (range, 9-54 months). All surgical wound healed primarily with no infection. The X-ray films showed slight pneumothorax in 7 cases, and it was absorbed after 1 month without treatment. Loosening of internal fixation was found in 1 patient because of trauma at 6 months, and operation was performed again. The bar was removed at 2 years in 21 patients. The patients had good thoracic contour and normal activity.
ConclusionMinimally invasive procedure for correction of pectus carinatum is safe and will get satisfactory effect in maintaining thoracic contour. It has also less trauma and shorter operation time.
