Chest wall anomalies: pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum

Abstract

Pectus excavatum, the concave depression of the breast bone, comprises most chest wall anomalies. The Nuss procedure, a minimally invasive procedure to correct pectus excavatum, has revolutionized the management of this disease over the past decade. The results and complications of this procedure are discussed. The surgical management of the less common pectus carinatum or "pigeon breast" also is reviewed.