What is pectus excavatum?
Pectus excavatum, commonly referred to as “sunken chest,” is a structural deformity of the chest wall that affects one in 1,000 individuals. It’s a condition that ranges from mild to severe, often affecting everything from appearance to physical functions like breathing and exercise tolerance. Typical symptoms are shortness of breath, rapid heart-beat, wheezing, chest pain, and reduced physical endurance.
The exact cause of pectus excavatum remains unknown, but because it often runs in families, genetics are believed to play a role. Early evaluation is typically recommended between ages 10 and 12, with corrective surgery often performed after that. While pectus excavatum is not typically life-threatening, it can cause significant physical and psychological discomfort. The right treatment, however, has the power to enhance a child’s self-esteem and overall quality of life. Experts urge families to pursue treatment early on for an easier recovery.
“The best time to do the surgery is between the ages of 12 and 14,” explains Dr. D. Dean Potter Jr., director of the Children’s Surgery Program at Mayo Clinic’s Rochester campus. “Younger children generally don’t yet have the maturity to go through this procedure. By the time children are skeletally mature, their chest walls are a little more rigid. While that’s not necessarily a problem for successful surgery, it may make the procedure more painful.”
Pediatric expertise matters
When seeking care for a loved one with pectus excavatum, it’s important to find a surgery center that specializes in pediatrics and has experience treating this condition. As a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center, verified by the American College of Surgeons, Mayo Clinic Children’s Center is one such place. In fact, Mayo Clinic experts have performed more than 500 procedures to treat pectus excavatum. With Mayo’s team approach, pediatric specialists from radiology, orthopedics, and cardiology are all involved in treating patients together and helping them recover as smoothly as possible.
Minimally invasive solutions
The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique used at Mayo Clinic that corrects the chest deformity using small incisions and strategically placed metal bars that are typically removed after two to three years. Advances in pain management have completely revolutionized the recovery process. Mayo specializes in innovations like cryotherapy and paravertebral catheters, which significantly reduce discomfort and opioid reliance. Remarkably, many patients are able to walk the same day and leave the hospital after just one night.
A boost of confidence
Mayo Clinic’s comprehensive approach ensures not only physical improvements but also a boost in self-esteem and emotional well-being. Patients often report enhanced confidence and greater enjoyment of physical activities after receiving treatment.
“We see kids who couldn’t run a mile and all of a sudden become runners after recovering from surgery,” Dr. Potter says. “Other children who were a bit embarrassed by their appearance come out of their shells and get involved in activities. These kids are much happier.”
Finding care designed around you
For families seeking exceptional care for pectus excavatum, Mayo Clinic delivers advanced solutions with compassionate support. Understanding that families lead busy lives, Mayo Clinic offers appointments designed to accommodate school, sports, and other activities. Consultations are available in Rochester and at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, with virtual follow-up appointments to provide even more flexibility and convenience.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit mayoclinic.org/pedspectusmcs or call 612-756-7303.
