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Pectus excavatum repair is surgery to correct a breastbone that dips inward, creating a sunken chest. The operation moves and supports the chest wall in a more typical position. The two main surgical approaches are the Nuss and Ravitch procedures.
read more about pectus excavatum repair ...Surgery may be considered when the chest shape causes symptoms or substantial physical effects. A care team may assess breathing, heart function, and the depth of the chest depression. Age, chest wall flexibility, and personal goals also affect the treatment decision.
In the Nuss procedure, a surgeon places a curved bar beneath the breastbone to lift it. The Ravitch procedure uses an open incision to reshape the chest wall, which may include removing abnormal cartilage. The chosen approach depends on the patient and the shape of the chest.
Pain control and gradual movement are part of recovery after either operation. Activity limits protect the repair as the chest wall heals. A Nuss bar stays in place for a period of years before it is removed in another procedure.
Risks include bleeding, infection, and persistent pain. A support bar can shift or require another procedure. The chest depression may return after treatment.
No. The Ravitch procedure is another approach, and the surgical team chooses based on the chest wall and patient needs.
No. It usually remains in place for several years and is then removed during a separate procedure.
No. The decision depends on symptoms, examination results, and the patient's preferences.
Yes. Recurrence is possible, including after a support bar is removed.
Complications after Ravitch versus Nuss repair of pectus excavatum: A Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery Database analysis. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33494946/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Nuss procedure for repair of pectus excavatum after failed Ravitch procedure in adults: indications and caveats. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4999670/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Nuss Procedure: Treatment for Pectus Excavatum. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22635-nuss-procedure. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Pectus excavatum - Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pectus-excavatum/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355488. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Pectus excavatum repair. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://www.medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002949.htm. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.