How is a thoracoplasty surgery performed?
During a thoracoplasty surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon usually can use the same incision used for the posterior spinal fusion. Once the ribs causing the rib hump have been exposed, special instruments are used to protect the lungs and cut the ribs (usually 2-3) involved in the rib hump and remove them. Sometimes it is necessary to insert a tube into the chest to help the lungs stay open after the ribs have been removed. If a chest tube becomes necessary, it can usually be removed after the surgery once the chest heals. After the parts of the rib bones involved in the rib hump are removed, the spine incision is closed using a special type of suture, and the incision sites are covered with special bandages which can accommodate the chest tube. Once the incision sites are covered, the individual is taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) and allowed to recover. Most individuals will stay in the ICU overnight for monitoring and will leave the hospital between 5 and 7 days after the surgery
