A Modified Technique for the Correction of Funnel Chest / 대한흉부외과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The authors have modified the method of Ravitch technique. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This technique was applied to 6 patients out of 18 patients who underwent corrective surgery from May 1987 to July 1999. The technique is quite different from that of Ravitch. We did not divide the intercostal muscle bundles from the laterals of sternum and the Akin's struts were placed retrosternally crossing the chest horizontally to prevent flail motion during immediate post-operative period and retraction of the sternum afterwards. Anterior sternal osteotomy instead of the posterior one was performed for the latest 3 cases which made operative procedure more simple and easy. The struts were removed one year later. RESULT: Compared to the hospital stay of the patients who received standard Ravitch method that of the six cases who received our modification was definitely shortened from 13.1 days to 8.3 days(p<0.0000). Flail motion was not noted in any patient and chest wall stability was obtained more easily with this technique. CONCLUSION: Our modification is recommendable for correction of funnel chest in regards to shorter operation time better chest wall stability shorter hospital stay and less complication.