Long-term results after the modified Ravitch procedure performed in children and adolescents – a one-time procedure without the need to use additional support of the sternum. A retrospective study

INTRODUCTION: Pectus excavatum is a depression of the sternum. Pectus carinatum, in contrast, is the convexity of the sternum. The mixed form is an intermediate condition. Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice. The techniques most commonly used include the Ravitch and the Nuss procedures. AIM: To assess the immediate and long-term results of the original modification of the surgical treatment for anterior chest wall deformation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The modification is based on the Ravitch procedure. The difference is that the ends of the resected cartilages are shaped like a blade in order to be inserted into the previously prepared wedge-shaped hollows located on both edges of the sternum. The result is long lasting without the need to use additional brackets. RESULTS: The follow-up examinations performed in 72 patients, including 57 boys and 15 girls, were the basis to produce long-term results. As for the type of deformity, out of 57 patients operated on due to pectus excavatum, 43 expressed satisfaction with the very good result. Similar satisfaction was reported in 7 out of 11 patients operated on due to pectus carinatum. There were 4 cases with the mixed form who had very good long-term results. Wound dehiscence was observed in 13 subjects, with one documented recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The alternative treatment we propose is a one-time procedure without the need to use additional support of the sternum. Good long-term results make the procedure suitable to be used more frequently in all types of deformities.