Congenital chest concave surgery

Congenital chest concaveness is one of the most common congenital deformities in the group of thoracic deformities in children. The disease greatly affects the physical development as well as the mental and psychological effects of the child. Congenital chest concaveness can be treated through surgery.

1. Clinical recognition of congenital chest concaveness

In children with congenital chest concaveness, the chest is concave in the front, visible in the sternum area or deviated to the left or right chest. Chest concaveness is visible as soon as the baby has just been born or the time after, mainly detected in children 1 year and older, when the bones begin to grow. The cause is not clearly described in literature, however, doctors believe that in congenital chest concave there may be genetic factors. The disease can be diagnosed through observation (observation of thoracic shape, location, degree of concaveness and depth of dents). In addition, the disease can be diagnosed through a thoracic computer scan. The doctor will measure the Haller index (HI): which is the ratio measured between the thoracic horizontal diameter and the front diameter after the sternum-spine. If HI>3.25, the doctor will give the surgical order.

Clinical recognition of congenital chest concaveness

Congenital chest concaveness on MRI images

2. Causes of congenital chest concaveness

The cause of congenital chest concaveness remains unclear. Some view that it is heredity, however this view is still controversial and has not been firmly affirmed. The disease is usually diagnosed at 1 year of age or older and is surgically intervened for the purpose of breast augmentation, chest re-adjustment, using a metal bar for the purpose of bone shape.

3. Classification of congenital chest concaveness

  • Mere congenital chest concaveness (equilibly): the bottom part of the sternum recessed downwards.
  • Disproportionate congenital chest concave: uneven side concave, only concave on one side
  • Congenital chest concave half-convex: the top of the sternum bulges while the lower part of the sternum recesses

congenital chest concave

Some congenital chest concave bodies

4. Chest concave manifestations in children

Chest concaveness in a child can be detected through observation and examination. Also suspected manifestations in congenital chest concave children may be that the child usually has short, heavy and tired breaths. Chest concaveness increases pressure on the heart and lungs, affecting the functions of the heart and lungs. In addition, it also affects the aesthetics of children, making them feel inferior, difficult to integrate with friends.

5. Congenital chest concave treatment

Surgery is the most appropriate and most applicable treatment available today for congenital chest concave children. The appropriate age for surgery is from 8-12 years old. However, depending on the condition of the child, surgery can be performed earlier (when the child is 7 years old) if the condition is concave, affecting heart and lung functions. Some other authors choose the time for surgery quite early, which can be carried out when the child is 3 years old. The most important thing is that the child should have surgery before puberty. Because after puberty, the child's bones have developed, the risk of concave after surgery is likely to be higher.

Nuss Surgery is a surgery currently underway to treat congenital chest concave patients. This is a less invasive surgery, using a metal bar to lift the bone in the chest. This is the most superior method today, which has been conducted for more than 20 years, helping a lot of patients integrate into normal life after surgery.

Congenital chest concave treatment

Use a metal bar to lift the bones in the concave area

6. Post-surgical complications

Congenital chest concave surgery may experience some of the following complications:

Complications during surgery include:

  • Rotated breast lift bar
  • Lacerations in the heart: tearing of the eardrum or pericard membrane, there may be bleeding. May occur during the insertation of a breast augmentation bar.
  • Possible complications after surgery: Pneumothorax, pleural blood spill, needle allergy, incision condensation.

However, the incidence of complications is quite low because this is laparoscopic surgery and surgeons are often highly proficient and experienced.

7. Care after congenital chest concave treatment

Children after the treatment of congenital chest concaveness with surgery need to be replenished with proper nutrition, a full-substance diet, easy to digest, which can be divided into several small meals during the day. Parents should keep their children from exercising for the first 6 months, so talk to their teachers to coordinate to help them limit their movement and not to do physical exercise for at least the first 6 months after surgery. After 6 months, the baby can gradually return to a normal mode of movement.

The time it takes to remove a fixed metal frame for a child varies from age to age. For young children (surgical children aged 3-8 years, the time for removing metal bars is 3 years. For adults or older children, when having chest concave surgery, the time to remove the metal bar is about 2 years.

Parents should be aware of monitoring the child's symptoms after surgery to detect chest concaveness again soon. If the child has chest concave again, parents should take him to see a doctor for advice.

Congenital chest concaveness is a common disease in the group of chest malformations of the child. However, parents should not be too worried because with the development of modern medicine, this condition can be treated through surgery. Parents need to pay more attention to their children and see a doctor when they have health problems. Parents should also have a full understanding of congenital chest concave disease, treatment and surgery. From there, parents will have good and suitable care for the child.

To register for examination and treatment at Share99 International Health Hub, you can contact Share99 Health System nationwide, or register for an online examination HERE

Recommended videos:

Fetal screening – Healthy baby born

VIEW MORE

  • Newborn screening tests should be performed immediately after birth
  • Middle Chest Pain: What to Know
  • Recessed chest when breathing in children
SEE MORE:

  • Congenital chest concaveness in a child: Symptoms and complications
  • Congenital chest concaveness in a child: Diagnosis and treatment
  • Nuss surgery has congenital concave chest orthopedics

About: John Smith

b1ffdb54307529964874ff53a5c5de33?s=90&r=gI am the author of Share99.net. I had been working in Vinmec International General Hospital for over 10 years. I dedicate my passion on every post in this site.

RELATED POSTS:

Leave a Comment

0 SHARES
Share
Tweet
Pin