The modern approach to pectus repair

Abstract

Since 1949, the Ravitch repair for pectus excavatum and carinatum was the gold standard. This is a destructive, aggressive procedure, which has a significant recurrence rate when it is poorly performed. When performed in the very young, it can result in an asphyxiating chondrodystrophy. This is a condition in which the chest wall fails to grow owing to the growth plates having been resected, resulting in pulmonary failure as an adult.