Should children (or adults) with pectus excavatum have it repaired?
Repair of pectus excavatum is not recommended unless the patient has symptoms. These symptoms can fall into any of the three categories just listed. Some may consider the third category as “cosmetic” but, in reality, this deformity can have a profound effect on a child’s self-image. Charles Huddleston, M.D., professor of surgery, sees approximately 40 to 50 children and adults with pectus excavatum per year in his clinic and performs 10 to 15 operations annually. Thus, most patients do not need or desire an operation after they have had a chance to talk over the implications of this condition. What is the operation like and what are the complications? The operation preferred by Dr. Huddleston involves removal of the ends of the ribs as they attach to the sternum in the depressed area. The lining membrane around the rib is left in place. The sternum is then broken horizontally at the point where it turns downward and is straightened out. It is held in this position using stitches, the a
