What is the treatment for pectus excavatum?
The treatment of pectus excavatum depends on the severity of the condition. In patients with a mild depression of the sternum and no symptoms, no treatment is necessary. The patient should be observed over a period of time to determine if the condition worsens or if the patient begins to experience any symptoms. Exercises may be prescribed in an effort to strengthen muscles in the chest. More severe cases of pectus excavatum and cases where the patient has symptoms may require surgical correction. This can be done using either a minimally invasive technique (sometimes referred to as the Nuss Procedure), or by open surgical repair. During the minimally invasive procedure incisions are made on each side of the chest underneath the arm. Through these incisions a bar is placed from one side of the chest to the other. The bar goes beneath the sternum, lifting it into a more normal position. The incisions at the sides of the chest are closed with dissolving stitches. Patients usually remain
