Surgery and plastic Do you need surgery for pectus excavatum?
Pectus excavatum does not require any treatment. The condition does not present a danger to the child. Surgical repair is an elective procedure and requires insurance approval before proceeding. Repair is typically done in the teenage years, once the pubertal growth spurt is underway or completed.
How long does it take to recover from pectus excavatum surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, the recovery after pectus excavatum repair varies. Most patients are in the hospital for about 4-5 days after surgery. When patients feel well and their pain is controlled on medications taken by mouth, they can be discharged home.
Is pectus excavatum serious?
If pectus excavatum is not severe, you might only notice a small indentation in the chest. However, if it is more severe, the area around the sternum can look like it has been dented in several inches. Very severe cases of pectus excavatum can compress the lungs and heart, causing serious health risks.
How do I know if my pectus excavatum is severe?
In severe cases of pectus excavatum, the breastbone may compress the lungs and heart.
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Signs and symptoms may include:
- Decreased exercise tolerance.
- Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations.
- Recurrent respiratory infections.
- Wheezing or coughing.
- Chest pain.
- Heart murmur.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness.
Does pectus excavatum get worse with age?
It may get worse with age. Some people think that the cartilaginous ribs grow unevenly, pushing down the breastbone. Some patients with problems of bones and cartilage (Marfan’s syndrome) can have a higher risk of pectus excavatum.
Does pectus excavatum affect life expectancy?
There is no evidence that pectus excavatum limits life expectancy or causes progressive damage to the heart and lungs over time. It is not uncommon for individuals to develop more symptoms over time.
What is the best age for Nuss procedure?
The recommended optimal age for the Nuss procedure is between 6 and 12 years and it is generally not recom- mended for adults [9].
How bad does the Nuss procedure hurt?
Because the sternum is forced outward and held under great pressure, the Nuss procedure results in more pain and discomfort than the modified ravitch procedure. The steel structs must remain in place for approximately 2-4 years in order to properly reform the chest.
How do you sleep after Nuss procedure?
It is okay if your child wants to sleep on his or her side if it is comfortable. Some children may feel more comfortable sleeping in a recliner chair the first few days after surgery. You will be given a card that says your child has had a NUSS procedure and has metal in the body.
How much does it cost to fix pectus excavatum?
The cost for the SIMPLE Pectus surgery for pectus excavatum can vary from $14,000 to $18,000. This is less than half the cost of Nuss and Ravitch procedures. No hospital stay is needed. The costs vary, depending on implant size, length of surgery, and other factors.
Is pectus excavatum a birth defect?
Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the chest wall that causes several ribs and the breastbone (sternum) to grow in an inward direction. Usually, the ribs and sternum go outward at the front of the chest. With pectus excavatum, the sternum goes inward to form a depression in the chest.
Can you fix pectus excavatum without surgery?
Mild to moderate pectus excavatum may be improved by a focused exercise regimen and/or a vacuum bell approach. The vacuum bell is a non-surgical treatment option for patients with mild or moderate pectus excavatum. While this procedure is non-surgical, it should be used under the supervision of our care team.
Can exercise fix pectus excavatum?
Exercise is a key component to treating pectus excavatum. By strengthening your chest, back, and core muscles and stretching your chest cavity, you can combat the condition’s effects. Aim to complete these exercises several times a week to maximize results.
Can a sunken chest be fixed?
Pectus excavatum repair is surgery to correct pectus excavatum. This is a congenital (present at birth) deformity of the front of the chest wall that causes a sunken breastbone (sternum) and ribs. Pectus excavatum is also called funnel or sunken chest. It may worsen during the teen years.