The questionable benefit of pectus excavatum repair on cardiopulmonary function: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Since the introduction of the minimally invasive technique for repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE), increasing numbers of patients are presenting for surgery. However, controversy remains regarding cardiopulmonary outcomes of surgical repair. Therefore, the aim of our prospective study was to investigate cardiopulmonary function, at rest and during exercise before surgery, first after MIRPE and then after pectus bar removal. METHODS: Forty-seven patients were enrolled in a prospective, open-label, single-arm, single-centre clinical trial (Impact of Surgical Treatments of Thoracic Deformation on Cardiopulmonary Function) [NCT02163265] between July 2013 and November 2019. All patients underwent a modified MIRPE technique for surgical correction of pectus excavatum (PE), called Minor Open Videoendoscopically Assisted Repair of Pectus Excavatum. The patients underwent pre- and postoperative chest X-ray, three-dimensional volume-rendering computer tomography thorax imaging, cardiopulmonary function tests at rest and during stepwise cycle spiroergometry (sitting and supine position) and Doppler echocardiography. Daily physical activity questionnaires were also completed. RESULTS: The study was completed by 19 patients (15 males, 4 females), aged 13.9-19.6 years at the time of surgery. The surgical patient follow-up was 5.7 ± 7.9 months after pectus bar removal. No significant differences in cardiopulmonary and exercise parameters were seen after placement of the intrathoracic bar, or after pectus bar removal, compared to presurgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that surgical correction of PE does not impair cardiopulmonary function at rest or during exercise. Therefore, no adverse effects on exercise performance should be expected from surgical treatment of PE via the modified MIRPE technique. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: clinicaltrials.gov [ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02163265].

Impact of surgical treatment of pectus carinatum on cardiopulmonary function: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The frequency of sternochondroplasty in cases of pectus carinatum (PC) has increased due to greater surgeon experience and modified surgical techniques. PC deformity does not usually cause cardiopulmonary malfunction or impairment. However, whether cardiopulmonary function changes after surgical repair remains a matter of controversy. The aim of our prospective study was to determine if surgery changes preoperative cardiopulmonary function. METHODS: Nineteen patients (16 males, 3 females) were enrolled in a prospective, open-label, single-arm, single-centre clinical trial (Impact of Surgical Treatments of Thoracic Deformation on Cardiopulmonary Function) (NCT02163265) between July 2013 and January 2017. All patients underwent PC repair via a modified Ravitch procedure and wore a lightweight, patient-controlled chest brace for 8 weeks postoperatively (the Innsbruck protocol). The average follow-up surgical examination was 8.3 months after surgery. In all enrolled patients, before surgery and not before 6 months postoperatively chest X-ray, 3-dimensional volume-rendered computed tomography thorax imaging, cardiopulmonary function tests with stepwise cycle spiroergometry (sitting and supine position) and Doppler echocardiography were performed; questionnaires about daily physical activity were also completed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients (aged 16.3 ± 2.6 years at study entry) completed the study. Changes in submaximal and peak power output were not detected during sitting, or when in the supine position. Also, no clinically relevant postoperative changes in spirometry or echocardiography were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm that surgical correction of PC does not impair cardiopulmonary function at rest or during physical exercise. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: clinicaltrials.gov NCT02163265.

The effect on cardiopulmonary function after thoracoplasty in pectus carinatum: a systematic literature review.

OBJECTIVES: Creating an aesthetically appealing result using thoracoplasty, especially when correcting extensive deformities, but only causing low morbidity, is challenging. The frequency of thoracoplasties in cases of pectus carinatum (PC) has increased due to improved experience and modified surgical techniques, resulting in low morbidity and low complication rates. The indications for surgical treatment are still controversial and, in most cases, remain aesthetic or psychological rather than physiological. However, whether cardiopulmonary function changes after surgical repair remains a matter of controversy. We sought to investigate and shed light on published knowledge regarding this question. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and PubMed databases, using various defined search phrases and inclusion criteria, to identify articles on pre- and postoperative cardiopulmonary evaluation and outcomes. RESULTS: Six studies met the inclusion criteria: 5 studies evaluated patients with PC for cardiopulmonary outcomes after chest wall surgery and 1 did so following conservative compression treatment. In these studies, surgical and conservative correction of PC did not reduce absolute lung volumes and spirometric measurements and consequently had no pathogenic effect on cardiopulmonary function. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this systematic review suggest that surgical correction of PC has no symptomatic pathogenic effect on cardiopulmonary function. The results, however, revealed both heterogeneity in the examinations used and inconsistent methods within each study. Further prospective trials with a stronger methodological design are necessary to objectively confirm that surgical correction of PC does not impair cardiopulmonary function.

Technical consideration of the MOVARPE technique in intricate pectus excavatum deformity.

BACKGROUND: For the correction of pectus excavatum (PE) deformities in adolescents, adults, and generally in asymmetric cases, a semi-open approach called the MOVARPE (minor open videoendoscopically assisted repair of pectus excavatum) technique is used, consisting of standard pectus bar implantation hybridized with auxiliary sternum osteotomy and multiple chondrotomies. In this study, we report our experiences, discuss pros and cons, and provide technical refinements. METHODS: Between September 2005 and March 2015, 61 patients were selected to undergo the MOVARPE instead of the standard MIRPE (minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum) procedure because of age or specific morphologic characteristics of PE. Patient age ranged from 14 to 45 years (mean 23.4 years). RESULTS: Auxiliary incisions for skeletal relaxation enabled symmetric remodeling and, in most cases, circumvented the need for a second pectus bar. The bars were left in position for a mean of 19.3 months (range: 12 to 35 months). There were no major complications. Minor complications such as pleural effusion, temporary pneumothorax, and mild recurrence of the deformity after bar removal were seen at rates similar to those for standard techniques. In the current study reporting outcomes of the previously described MOVARPE procedure, the authors saw no evidence of a possible disadvantage in the overall concept or execution of the procedure for the suggested indication. CONCLUSION: From this experience, we can state that, as an alternative to the MIRPE technique, MOVARPE is a method that offers high efficacy, particularly for rigid and complex pectus excavatum deformities at or beyond puberty.

Pectus excavatum repair from a plastic surgeon's perspective.

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) or similar procedures for pectus excavatum (PE) repair, nowadays no longer performed by one single speciality, may not always achieve sufficient aesthetic results, particularly in the infrapectoral or infraxiphoidal region. Reasons for this include the diaphragm inhibiting correct positioning of the bars, as well as asymmetric deformities which may still be present after remodelling attempts. Furthermore, some cases develop a mild recurrence or partial concavity once the correction bar is removed. However, any secondary re-do MIRPE procedure remains risky because of adhesions between the pleura, lung, pericardium, thoracic wall as residuals from the primary intervention. Treatment options as secondary correction for these deformities may include open access surgery, resection or reshaping of deformed costal cartilage. Moreover, augmentation of a residual concave area can be achieved by autologous transplantation of resected over-abundant cartilage, as well as by liposhifting or implantation of customized alloplastics. A physician dealing with PE corrections should be familiar with various shaping and complementary reconstructive techniques in order to provide the best options for a variety of expressions of anterior wall deformities. Among treating surgeons, there is an awareness that no single method can be applied for every kind of funnel chest deformity. An appropriate technique, either as a single approach for the ordinary deformities or in conjunction with ancillary procedures for the intricate cases, should be selected carefully based on the heterogeneity of symptoms, severity, expectations and surgical skill in addition to the available equipment. Out of a variety of such ancillary procedures available and based on experience within general plastic reconstructive surgery, some techniques for PE repair are explained and illustrated here with their advantages and disadvantages.

Complications Related to Pectus Carinatum Correction: Lessons Learned from 15 Years' Experience. Management and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Various methods of corrective thoracoplasty for pectus carinatum deformity have been described, but to date no studies describe a review of complications and how to manage them. Complications are dependent not only on the technique used and the patient's age, but also on the experience of the treating surgeon. The authors present their 15 years' experience with surgical correction of pectus carinatum and the complications that have occurred. A literature review regarding complications with pectus carinatum surgery is performed. METHODS: A retrospective review of 95 patients (mean age, 19 years) was performed. One hundred four surgical procedures for repair of pectus carinatum were performed from July of 2000 to July of 2015 using a modified Ravitch technique, bioabsorbable material, postoperative bracing, and in some cases a diced rib cartilage graft technique. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean patient follow-up was 13.6 months (range, 4 months to 9.75 years). Intraoperative complications were pleura lesion and laceration of the internal mammary vein. Postoperative complications were recurrent mild protrusion, persistent protrusion of one or two costal cartilages, minor wound healing delay, skin ulcer, hypertrophic scar, transient intercostal dysesthesia, marginal pneumothorax, seroma, meningitis, and epidural hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: In our reported series of pectus carinatum repair, increasing experience and progressively less extensive techniques have resulted in fewer complications, low morbidity, and early return to activity. Complications were observed in the early period of application, predominantly because of a lack of experience, and usually subsided with increasing numbers of patients and frequency of surgery. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

How to avoid pectus bar dislocation in the MIRPE or MOVARPE technique: results of 12 years' experience.

Bar displacement remains the most common complication of the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). To date, no studies show results from 12 years' experience using a bar fixation technique with only absorbable sutures. Our aim is to show how to stabilize the bar using a modified approach for bar fixation. A retrospective review of 68 patients, who underwent MIRPE or the minor open videoendoscopic assisted repair of pectus excavatum, was performed. To stabilize the pectus bar, both wings of the pectus bar were tied to the ribs in 52 patients with circumcostal absorbable sutures using a Deschamps needle under endoscopic survey and in 16 patients with lateral stabilizers. The stability of pectus bar after the operation was assessed by lateral chest X-ray films and classified as being perfect, incomplete, or poor. No complications were observed in the perioperative period with the circumcostal suture technique. Lateral chest X-rays showed an excellent position of the pectus bar in 50 patients, incomplete position in 1, and poor position in another patient. Our technique seems to be effective in preventing bar displacement following pectus excavatum repair. It does not add any significant cost or time to the operation, and it is fairly simple to perform.

Clinical results and patient satisfaction after pectus excavatum repair using the MIRPE and MOVARPE technique in adults: 10-year experience.

BACKGROUND: The minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) procedure as a standard procedure in children is rarely described in adolescents, adults, or in patients with asymmetric deformities. For these challenging cases, the authors have adopted a semiopen approach (minor open videoendoscopically assisted repair of pectus excavatum, or MOVARPE) with additional skin incisions and osteochondrotomies. This descriptive application study was set to assess whether both procedures are effective and safe in adolescents and adults, to determine whether they have similar complication and recurrence rates, and to analyze the overall outcome in nonpediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of 69 patients (45 male and 24 female patients; mean age, 20.8 years) who underwent either technique from August of 2002 to June of 2012 was performed. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, clinical outcome, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean patient follow-up after bar removal in 55 patients was 27.3 months (p = 0.624). In the MIRPE group, two bar dislocations, one rupture of the internal mammary artery, and one case of pneumonia were observed. Mild recurrence of deformity after bar removal was present in four cases. Satisfaction outcomes were excellent in 70 percent in the MOVARPE group and 55.1 percent in the MIRPE group (p = 0.0182). CONCLUSION: The MOVARPE technique is a hybridized, semiopen modification of the MIRPE procedure that seems to be advantageous, particularly in adolescents, adults, and those with asymmetric pectus excavatum deformities, for overcoming resistant skeletal rigidity with low complication rates, high patient satisfaction, and superior aesthetic results. CLINICAL QUESTION/ LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Instep split skin grafts on muscle flaps to reconstruct pressure exposed soft tissue parts at the lower extremity.

BACKGROUND: Reconstructed mechanically stressed zones of the lower extremity frequently suffer from problems such as hyperkeratotic edges or chronic ulcerations in the transition zone between conventional thigh skin grafts and normal skin. Defect coverage with skin grafts harvested from the instep region and placed on muscle flaps is not yet an established alternative. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a series of 12 clinical applications of soft tissue reconstruction at mechanically exposed zones of the lower extremity. Locally transposed or transplanted muscle flaps were covered with meshed instep skin instead of meshed thigh skin for the purpose to gain a superior stable skin surface and transition zones adjacent to normal skin. RESULTS: There is no ulceration found at follow-up from 6 to 72 months. Only one case presented with delayed graft take. Different thicknesses of the corneal layers of the healed instep versus thigh skin grafts were verified histologically. Instep skin grafts showed substantial durability as well as advantageous aesthetic appearance with respect to texture and coloring. All donor sites healed without notable scars or sensitivity disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The instep split skin graft is particularly well suited for defect coverage of muscle flaps transposed or transplanted to mechanically stressed zones of the foot or lower leg. The paramount advantage of transplanted instep skin as compared to thigh skin is given by the feasibility to create a durable graft with a thick horny layer and a stable transition zone at its periphery that is bordering normal skin.

Aesthetic improvement of the female breast in funnel chest deformity by surgical repair of the thoracic wall: indication or lifestyle surgery?

BACKGROUND: Adults are increasingly seeking surgical correction of pectus excavatum deformity, and the alternative custom-made silicone implant is not always desired or suitable. The paramount concern of female patients is the apparent strabism of their breasts. In some cases, the standard minimally invasive reconstruction of pectus excavatum procedure or a modified approach with a semiopen technique can help remodel the anterior thoracic wall and simultaneously reposition the female breasts to a desired and aesthetically acceptable position. METHODS: Between November of 2000 and March of 2011, 35 female adolescent and adult patients underwent surgical funnel chest repair with different approaches. In seven of these patients, a pectus bar was implanted using minimally invasive reconstruction of pectus excavatum, whereas 15 underwent a combined semiopen approach. The pectus bar was removed after a period of 14 to 39 months (mean, 31 months) in the minimally invasive reconstruction group and 12 to 25 months (mean, 13.5 months) in the other group. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were examined, and the results were assessed by independent surgeons. RESULTS: During the follow-up period of 1 month to 3.9 years (mean, 12 months), no major complications occurred. The aesthetic appearance of the anterior thoracic wall was distinctly improved, and breast strabism and breast tissue projection were eliminated. CONCLUSIONS: Pectus bar implantation appears to be an excellent method for the correction of breast malposition in female adults with a funnel chest deformity. Although invasive, it allows permanent remodeling of the anterior thoracic wall and the décolleté, and a repositioning of the female breast to achieve a natural appearance. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

A case of an extremely large accessory bone with unusual sutures and foramina parietalia permagna in multiple premature craniosynostoses.

BACKGROUND: Within the entity of craniofacial malformations premature craniosynostoses represent the majority of cases. They originate from disturbances in the ossification process, resulting in an osseous closure of cranial sutures ahead of time. Depending on severity and number of the affected sutures, a local or general growth inhibition of the skull follows. In the rare instance of accessory bones along these affected sutures, they may interfere with diagnostics and therapy. PATIENT: This clinical report describes the case of a seven-month-old male infant with multiple craniosynostoses, an extraordinary large accessory median calvarial bone, two foramina parietalia permagna and a submucosal cleft palate. Chromosomal and genetic analysis did not reveal potential mutations. RESULTS: The osseous abnormalities were diagnosed and displayed by three-dimensional computed tomography. The sequential surgical treatment consisted of occipital remodelling at seven months of age and frontoorbital advancement at fourteen months. CONCLUSION: This rare anatomical variation of the cranial bones - superimposed by multiple premature craniosynostoses - demonstrates the necessity of accurately conducted preoperative diagnostics for appropriate surgical planning. Knowledge, and precise medical examination of potential anatomical variations facilitate the planning and secure performance of surgery as well as its outcome.

The internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) breast-flap harvested from an asymmetric hyperplastic breast for correction of a mild funnel chest deformity.

Pectus excavatum deformity is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the thoracic wall. If the invasive surgical procedures of thoracoplasty are not indicated or the patient refuses them, alternative treatment options should be considered. In such cases, local or distant transposition of autologous tissue could be appropriate. This report presents a selected case of funnel chest deformity and concomitant unilateral breast hyperplasia. Both deformities were corrected simultaneously using a pedicled internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap dissected from the hyperplastic breast. This is a safe, reliable, low-morbidity, one-stage option for adult women that uses an easy-to-harvest flap for simultaneous correction of mild funnel chest deformity and concomitant breast hyperplasia with a single resulting scar.

Ten-year experience with the muscle split technique, bioabsorbable plates, and postoperative bracing for correction of pectus carinatum: the Innsbruck protocol.

OBJECTIVE: We reviewed further clinical experience with our approach for pectus carinatum repair: modified surgical approach of pectoralis muscle split technique, bioabsorbable plates with screws, and postoperative compressive brace. METHODS: From April 2000 to February 2010, 55 patients underwent pectus carinatum repair at our department with modifications of conventional Ravitch repair. There were 14 female and 41 male patients, mean age of 19.3 years at the onset of treatment. Postoperative treatment involved fitting of a lightweight, patient-controlled chest brace. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 13.7 months. Patient satisfaction was excellent for 40 patients (72.7%) and good for the remaining 15 (27.3%); aesthetic appearance was excellent for 37 patients (67.3%) and good for the remaining 18 (32.7%). Postoperative evaluation was objective measurement with a thorax caliper and clinical examination. No major perioperative complications were observed. Postoperative complications were mild recurrence of deformity (n = 3) and persistent, mild, single costal cartilage protrusion (n = 2). No patient had palpable plates or screws, and there was no material breakdown. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of muscle split technique and absorbable osteosynthesis represents an alternative in pectus carinatum repair. The pectoralis muscle split technique allows early patient mobilization and rehabilitation. Bioabsorbable plates get completely absorbed, avoiding second operation, and chest brace provides postoperative immobilization of the anterior thoracic wall during healing and avoids development of hypertrophic scars. Our combined approach to the correction of pectus carinatum deformities yields predominantly excellent esthetic results, with low morbidity, low costs, and less invasiveness, leading to high patient satisfaction.

Diced autologous rib cartilage for primary treatment or refinement of minor chest wall deformities.

BACKGROUND: Various methods of corrective thoracoplasty for congenital anterior chest wall deformities have been described. To date, no studies have described the use of diced cartilage as a surgical procedure in thoracoplasty. The authors present their experience with 23 patients for whom diced cartilage grafts were used as an innovative approach for thoracoplasty. METHODS: A retrospective review of 23 patients was performed. From January of 2004 to September of 2010, 18 patients underwent repair of pectus excavatum, three patients underwent repair of pectus arcuatum, and two patients underwent repair of pectus carinatum using diced rib cartilage grafts. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcome were evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were examined, and the results were assessed by independent surgeons. RESULTS: The mean patient follow-up was 18.1 months. No major complications were observed in the perioperative period. Postoperative complications were mild recurrence of deformity (n = 2). No graft extrusion, infection, or contour irregularities occurred. The patients rated their cosmetic results as very good. All 25 of the wrapped diced cartilage grafts appear to have survived completely, with only one partial graft absorption. One patient had palpable diced cartilage. CONCLUSIONS: The diced cartilage graft technique is a novel and safe procedure in thoracoplastic refinement procedures with clear advantages, including limited surgical trauma, autogenous material, easy preparation, absence of significant donor-site morbidity, absence of additional costs, high patient satisfaction, and good aesthetic results. The authors advocate using this technique for augmentation and contouring of minor anterior wall deformities in selected patients. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: : Therapeutic, IV.(Figure is included in full-text article.).

Incidence of perinatal complications in children with premature craniosynostosis.

AIMS: To study the incidence of perinatal complications in children diagnosed with premature craniosynostosis and their mothers. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to all women (n=220) who delivered a child diagnosed either pre- or postnatally with craniosynostosis and treated at the University Hospital of Innsbruck, Austria between January 1, 1990 and October 10, 2007. The incidence of various complications in the group of children with craniosynostosis was compared with data from the Birth Registry of Tyrol, which served as a comparison population in this study (n=57,317). RESULTS: A total of 46.4% of the questionnaires were returned (n=102). Children diagnosed with craniosynostosis showed a significantly higher rate of fetal malpresentations at birth [P<0.001; OR 2.38 (CI 1.53-3.70)] compared to the general population. In particular, the rate of abnormal cephalic [P<0.001; OR 3.42 (CI 2.03-5.76)] and breech presentations [P=0.01; OR 2.39 (CI 1.27-4.49)] was significantly increased. In 10% of all neonates the Apgar score (P=0.001) as well as the pH-value (P<0.001) was found to be at least one category lower than in the comparison population. CONCLUSIONS: Children diagnosed with craniosynostosis have a significantly higher rate of numerous birth complications compared to the overall births documented at the Birth Registry of Tyrol.

Prenatal diagnosis of apert syndrome with cloverleaf skull deformity using ultrasound, fetal magnetic resonance imaging and genetic analysis.

Apert syndrome is characterized by craniosynostosis, midfacial hypoplasia and symmetric cutaneous and bony syndactyly of the limbs. The skull is usually hyperacrobrachycephalic, whereas frank cloverleafing, as a clinically obvious trilobed skull deformity, is rarely seen in these patients. We report a rare case of Apert syndrome with cloverleaf skull deformity, prenatally diagnosed at 26weeks' gestation in which the sonographic features of a characteristic trilobed skull, abnormal biparietal diameter and head circumference, as well as malformations of the upper and lower extremities led to the diagnosis, confirmed by prenatal fibroblast growth factor receptor type 2 mutation analysis and fetal magnetic resonance imaging. The genetic evaluation revealed a p.P253R mutation in fibroblast growth factor receptor type 2 consisting in a transversion C>G at nucleotide 758. We discuss the relevant prenatal morphologic and genetic findings of this patient and review previously published cases. Our report demonstrates the feasibility of the prenatal diagnosis of Apert syndrome with cloverleaf skull using ultrasound, fetal magnetic resonance imaging and mutation analysis, and also highlights the importance of the biparietal diameter as an early predictor of growth restriction in severe craniosynostosis cases.