Pectus Excavatum, often referred to as "sunken chest" or "funnel chest," is a condition where the breastbone (sternum) is sunken inward, giving the chest a caved-in appearance. This condition can range from mild to severe and may cause not only cosmetic concerns but also health issues like breathing difficulties and impaired heart function in more advanced cases.
If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms, it may be time to consult with a thoracic surgeon to explore your treatment options.
At theInstitute of Chest Surgery, Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram , we specialize in the correction of Pectus Excavatum using the minimally invasive Nuss Procedure. Our highly skilled thoracic surgeons have extensive experience in correcting chest wall deformities, ensuring optimal cosmetic and functional results.
The Nuss Procedure is a highly effective, minimally invasive technique to correct Pectus Excavatum.
This 1 to 2 hour surgery corrects the shape of the chest by using a curved metal bar that is placed under the breastbone. With the help of a small camera, the surgeon will create a pathway across the chest under the breastbone and insert a Pectus Support Bar.
The bar is shaped to fit the patient and lifts the chest into a normal shape. As the bar pushes the breastbone forward, it bends the cartilage that holds the breastbone to the ribs, promoting that cartilage to heal in a new, normal shape.
After approximately 2 to 3 years, the Pectus Support Bar is removed through a small incision on the patient’s side.
This procedure is particularly popular due to:
The following information is general in nature and intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or recommendations. Each patient’s recovery is unique, and results may vary. Always consult your doctor for specific medical advice and before starting any new activities.
After the Nuss procedure, patients are transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for close observation as they wake from anesthesia. The PACU is staffed by medical professionals specifically trained to monitor post-surgical patients. Most individuals are moved to their hospital room a few hours after surgery, where the next phase of recovery begins.
The typical hospital stay lasts 3 to 5 days . During this time, the medical team will:
In the first four weeks following surgery, patients will have multiple follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor progress. It's essential to follow all physical activity guidelines provided by the surgeon. Each patient may have individualized restrictions, but the general advice is to take it easy during this period. While post-operative pain gradually decreases, it is vital to continue following the surgeon's instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.
Most patients are cleared to return to daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks, but it is important to continue adhering to activity restrictions. Patients may be advised to:
As recovery progresses into weeks 6 to 12, patients may be able to resume normal activities , including certain non-contact sports. Heavy lifting may be allowed after 2 months, and some patients can return to sports such as swimming or running by 3 months.
Clinical research suggests that cardiopulmonary function (breathing and stamina) may improve significantly after the Nuss procedure. However, individual results can vary, and not all patients will experience a noticeable improvement. Always follow your doctor’s guidance on physical activity.
By the 12-week mark, most patients are generally cleared to resume all normal activities , including non-contact sports. Your surgeon may encourage specific exercises to promote chest growth and strengthen chest muscles during this period. Regular daily activities should be manageable without significant restrictions.
The Pectus Support Bar is typically removed 2 to 3 years after the initial surgery, once your surgeon confirms that the chest has stabilized. Bar removal is often a simple procedure and usually does not require an overnight hospital stay. The surgeon will use one or both of the original incisions to access and remove the bar.
Always consult your surgeon for personalized post-operative care and activity guidelines to ensure a safe and successful recovery.
If you or a loved one has Pectus Excavatum and are considering surgery, our team is here to guide you through every step of the process. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how the Nuss Procedure can improve your quality of life.
Contact Us: +91-9818045855
You are not a candidate for treatment with the Pectus Support Bar if you have any of the following: