How your child’s sunken chest can be solved without an invasive procedure.
If your child is living with sunken chest, he or she is not alone. Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital wall abnormality in kids. That doesn’t mean that your son or daughter may feel comfortable with it, however. Any parent knows that feeling different, especially physically, can be difficult for your kid. While no one knows what causes sunken chest, your child doesn’t have to continue living with it.
There are two common types of surgical procedures available to kids with pectus excavatum. Let’s take a look at both.
The Ravitch procedure, also known as open repair, is the more invasive of the two. An incision is made in the child’s chest so that the sternum can be moved into a new, more forward position.
The Nuss procedure is much less invasive. Your child’s measurements will be taken and a custom bar will be fitted to his or her chest wall. With only a small incision under the arm, the bar can be inserted over the ribs and under the sternum. Pediatric surgeons use an endoscope during the procedure to ensure the safety of the child during the insertion. The bar is secured to the chest wall, and your child is left with just two small incisions.
Additionally, while the Ravitch procedure can take as many as six hours, the Nuss procedure generally takes only a couple of hours. This non-invasive surgery has helped free countless kids from the chest pain – and the feeling of being different.
If your child is living with sunken chest, we can help you explore your options, including non-invasive surgery. Contact the Pediatric Surgical Associates for all your pediatric surgical needs. Our pediatric surgeons in Orange County are experts at protecting your kids’ health and wellness!