The excavated chest, known scientifically as pectus excavatum, is a congenital malformation in which the sternum bone causes a depression in the center of the chest, in the area between the ribs, causing a change in body image that, although not life-threatening, can hinder the development of self-esteem or cause psychological changes in the child.
The excavated chest can lead to serious complications, such as compression of the region’s organs, which promote the development of respiratory tract infections and breathing difficulties, hindering exercise and causing pain; this malformation can be observed under conditions such as Marfan syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Poland syndrome and osteogenesis imperfecta, for example.
- While the problem can be identified shortly after birth.
- In many cases it worsens with adolescence growth and therefore treatment is not usually indicated until after this period.
- To reduce the risk of recurrence of the problem.
- In rarer cases.
- Treatment may also be done in adults.
- But it is more complicated and time-related.
The only way to permanently correct the excavated chest is to have surgery to get the bones back to the right place, so this procedure is mainly indicated in cases where symptoms appear.
Surgery to correct the excavated chest can be performed in two different ways, depending on the severity and age of the patient, however, in both cases, it is performed under general anesthesia and it is necessary to stay in the hospital for about 1 week.
The two forms of surgery are
It is a very painful surgery and, therefore, after surgery it is necessary to remain hospitalized especially to make painkillers directly in the vein and improve comfort, to be discharged as soon as the pain gives way and there are no complications.
In the post-departure period, your doctor needs to be consulted frequently for X-rays or CT scans to assess whether the sternum is still in the correct position. With these evaluations, it is also possible to determine the best time for surgical removal. metal equipment or bar left during surgery.
In the case of open surgery, the material is usually removed after 6 to 12 months, while the minimally invasive surgery bar is not removed until after 2 or 3 years.
During this period, it is also important to be aware of signs of infection or rejection of the surgical equipment left in the body, such as swelling or redness at the site of cuts, fever greater than 38 degrees C or excessive fatigue, for example.
Sports activities, on the other hand, should only be initiated with the approval of the doctor, avoiding those that have the greatest impact and increased risk of injury, such as football, basketball or martial arts.
The cause of the appearance of the excavated chest is unknown, however, it is more common in children and people who have a family history of malformations.
Although it poses no risk to a child’s life, the hollowed-out chest can appear into adolescence and cause symptoms such as palpitations, cough, chest pressure and respiratory infections.