Congenital chest wall deformities: a modified surgical technique.
BACKGROUND
Congenital chest wall deformities are the most common disorders among the other congenital diseases in thoracic surgery. Standard surgical techniques seem to be sufficient, but to prevent recurrence and complications other surgical approaches have to be chosen, such as freeing the sternum from the second rib cartilage to the costal arch, completely and bilaterally, and external application of Kirschner wire for stabilization.


METHODS
Between 1996 and 2005, 47 patients with congenital chest wall deformities were examined. The surgical method consists of resecting rib cartilages from the second rib up to the costal arch bilaterally and the application of Kirschner wire for the stabilization of the chest wall.


RESULTS
No mortality occurred. Three patients had complications, such as wound infection and pneumothorax. Kirschner wire was removed on the 15th day (between 10-21 days). Mean hospital stay was 16.5 days (10-23 days). Patients were followed up between 2 months and 6 years. No recurrence was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
To prevent recurrence and complications for cosmetic surgery is quite important. For this reason, the surgical technique has to be carried out carefully. Kirschner wire is useful for the stabilization of the chest wall with no risk of infection, foreign body reaction, or the need for a second operation for removal.
*Yuzuncu Yil University, Medical School, Thoracic Surgery Department , Turkey. atahan@ttnet.net.tr
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Isik
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Tuncozgur
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Elbeyli
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Akar
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005660:Funnel Chest / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D013249:Sternum / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery