Pectus excavation surgery is done to correct a chest deformity present at birth in some individuals.
Withpectus excavation, the sternum (breastbone) caves inward and gives the chest a sunken in appearance.
The magnets create a magnetic force field that slowly pulls the chest to reconfigure it.
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The optimal timing for pectus excavatum surgery is 8 years of age through adolescence.
Bones and cartilage are less pliable after that time period.That said, adults have successfully undergone this surgery.
The extent of the deformity is measured using a calculation known as the Pectus Severity Index (PSI).
The surgery also improves the appearance of the chest.
Basic blood tests, like acomplete blood count (CBC), may also be done.
Location
Pectus excavatum surgery is performed in a hospital.
A doctor needs to know about all of the drugs a patient is taking prior to surgery.
This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbal products, dietary supplements, vitamins, and recreational drugs.
Creams, lotions, makeup, perfume, and cologne should not be used on the day of surgery.
Pre-Op Lifestyle Changes
Adolescent and adult smokers should stop smoking as soon as possible prior to surgery.
Smoking increases the risk for complications both during and after the procedure.
The same applies to adults undergoing this procedure.
A nurse will then take and record theirvitals(body temperature, blood pressure, etc.)
This IV will be used for delivering medications during the procedure.
The doctor will then come to say hello and briefly review the surgery with you/your child.
You may need to sign a consent form at this time.
Younger children may receive the sedating medication through a mask; older children/adolescents may receive it through their IV.
Once asleep, any child who does not already have an IV will have one placed by a nurse.
From there, your child will walk into the procedure/operating room or be wheeled there on a gurney.
For the remainder of the procedure, anyone accompanying the patient will need wait in the waiting room.
During the Surgery
The exact steps of the surgery depend on which procedure is being performed.
Pain, nausea, and grogginess, common anesthesia-related symptoms, can be expected.
You/your child will stay in the recovery room until vitals are stable and the anesthesia has completely worn off.
During recovery in the hospital, the surgical team may use different methods to help manage pain.
These include:
Stool softeners orlaxativeswill be given to prevent constipation.
Deep breathing exercises will also be recommended to help preventpneumonia.
Check with your surgeon, but this is typically around five days after surgery.
At these appointments, healing will continue to be monitored and activity limitations may be modified.
ChestX-raysmay also be done to check the position of the bar.
If pectus excavatum surgery is recommended, continue to learn everything you’re free to about surgical options.
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University of Pittsburg Medical Center.General Anesthesia.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Nuss Procedure.
American College of Surgeons.Quit Smoking Before Your Operation.
Nemours Kids Health.The Ravitch Procedure.
Seattle Children’s Hospital.Patient and Family Education: Pectus Excavatum.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.Ravitch Procedure.
