Abstract

Pectus excavatum, commonest developmental anomaly of chest wall, is manifested by depression of the sternum and lower costal cartilages that is of surgical interest. From 1982 through 1990, fifteen patients have undergone surgery for treatment of pectus excavatum and treated by Ravitch operation: 5, Modified Ravitch operation; 4, Wada operation, 1 and Modified Wada operation, 5. There was familial history of pectus excavatum in 3 patients. Associated congenital anomaly were seen in 6 patients; scoliosis in 3 patients, right inguinal hernia in 1, polydactyly in 1 and patent ductus arteriosus in 1 patent. Postoperative minor complications were developed in 3 cases; pneumothorax, 2 cases; pleural effusion, 2 cases; wound infection and dehiscence, 1 cases; pressure sore due to strut malposition, 2 cases; flail chest and 2 cases; seroma. The incidence of the postoperative complications were more common in cases who were treated by metal strut, pin or other prosthetic materials for supporting the chest wall integrity than the standard corrective procedure. All cases have no recurrence of chest wall depression and operative death.

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