Pectus excavatum reconstruction with silicone implants: long-term results and a review of the english-language literature

Abstract

Pectus excavatum, or funnel chest, is an anterior chest wall deformity, characterized by a depressed sternum. Frequently used techniques for pectus excavatum repair are extensive thoracic surgical corrections at a young age. At an adult age, custom-made silicone implants can be used as a less extensive surgical option. Thus far, there are only a limited number of reports in the English-language literature concerning this treatment modality. We evaluated our series of 16 patients treated with custom-made silicone implants, assessing complications, patient satisfaction, and aesthetic outcome. Seven patients (44%) had complications, mostly seroma formation (31%). Ten of 12 patients (83%), who were evaluated at the long-term, reported improved patient satisfaction and 9 of 13 patients (69%), in whom aesthetic results were assessed, had a good or excellent aesthetic outcome.Our study, combined with a review of the English-language literature, demonstrates that there is a place for custom-made silicone implants in the treatment of pectus excavatum, especially in less severe cases at an adult age. Preoperative counseling with emphasis on the likelihood of seroma formation is advocated.