Frequently Asked Questions About the Ravitch Procedure
Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital chest wall deformity, affecting 1 to 8 per 1,000 live births. A study suggests that there is no difference in total complication rate between Nuss and Ravitch procedures when considering pediatric populations, for overall, early and late complications. In the adult subgroup, the Ravitch group experienced significantly fewer complications, observed for both overall and early complications.
Ravitch Procedure is for what condition?
Pectus excavatum is a condition characterized by an abnormal shape of the sternum/breastbone and rib cage. The chest appears caved-in or sunken as a result of this.
Pectus carinatum is a hereditary chest wall condition. It occurs as a result of abnormal cartilage formation in the ribs and breastbone (sternum). The chest bulges, giving it a bird-like look. As a result, the disorder is also known as pigeon breast or pigeon chest.
Both of these symptoms can be seen in connective tissue illnesses such Marfan’s syndrome and Ehlers Danlos syndrome.
Ravitch Procedure: Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Ravitch Procedure for Pectus Excavatum used?
This procedure involves correcting severe pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum with surgery. Patients between the ages of 13 and 22 are usually treated with the Ravitch technique for pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum if they fail the primary treatments, which is more common in adult patients.
What happens during the Procedure?
It is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure takes about 90 min
It involves an incision across the chest and the removal of the cartilage that causes the defect
The covering of the cartilage is preserved. The sternum is then placed in the normal position.
A small bar is then placed beneath the sternum to maintain it in the appropriate position if a patient is being treated for pectus excavatum.
The operation’s extent is determined by how serious the patient’s condition is. Over the following four to six weeks, the cartilage will grow and stabilize the sternum. To prevent fluid collecting or lung collapse, a tiny drain may be inserted at the surgical site.
What happens after the Procedure?
After the procedure, the patient may remain hospitalized for three-five days. The length of hospitalization is mainly determined by pain management. To avoid any unnecessary complications, the patient may be restricted in their activities. The bar is removed around 1 year following the treatment for individuals with pectus excavatum.
What are the risks involved in the procedure?
Any operation carries possible complications, such as bleeding, infection, and anesthetic complications (headache, drowsiness and nausea). As a result, it is extremely important to go to a specialist who has extensive experience treating pectus patients. The following are some of the specific complications associated with the procedure:
Fluid collection under the skin at the surgery site,
Fluid around the lungs or a collapsed lung,
Bars that move out of place,
Damage to the heart or lungs during the surgery and
Reoccurrence of pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum.
What is the Outcome of the Ravitch Procedure?
Patients who have the Ravitch treatment to repair pectus excavatum are typically pleased with the results. Although the majority of pectus excavatum procedures are performed during adolescence, adults also benefit from pectus excavatum surgery.
It’s crucial to entrust your treatment and recovery to centers that can deliver high-quality care and guarantee successful surgery. The Center of Excellence for Pectus is the premier center for the treatment of Pectus Excavatum and Carinatum. Dr. LoSasso treats Pectus in teens, both males, and females, and is one of the only centers to also treat Pectus in adults. Schedule an online consultation with us!