What is Ravitch surgery?
The Ravitch procedure involves an incision across the chest and the removal of the cartilage that causes the defect. The sternum is then placed in the normal position. If your child is being treated for pectus excavatum, a small bar is then inserted under the sternum to hold it in the desired position.
How long does it take to recover from the Ravitch procedure?
Most patients take pain medications for the first 2-4 weeks. Usually it takes a month or two to fully recover and resume normal activities.
What is the difference between Nuss and Ravitch procedure?
Pros and cons: Nuss vs Ravitch Whereas the Ravitch Procedure offers less pain after the procedure, the Nuss procedure gives a better cosmetic result. Dr. Hans Pilegaard primarily uses the Nuss procedure as it is the best option for most patients with pectus excavatum – even for patients older than 30 years.
When was the Ravitch procedure invented?
The first technique of pectus excavatum repair was proposed by Ravitch in 1949, an open technique that required partial resection of the cartilage, xiphoid excision and osteotomy of the sternum (5).
What can you not do after pectus excavatum surgery?
Teenagers with pectus excavatum may avoid physical education and activities that involve taking their shirt off, such as swimming.
How do adults fix pigeon chest?
Treatment options include chest-wall bracing and/or surgery. Many patients with mild or moderate cases of pectus carinatum experience success with advanced chest-wall braces.
What kind of doctor should I see for pectus carinatum?
Physicians who treat patients with pectus carinatum are pediatric surgeons.
How painful is Nuss procedure?
The pectus repair is a painful procedure. Length of stay is dictated by postoperative pain management. Following the operation, most children stay in the hospital for approximately 5 days. An epidural catheter, placed in the back, will be used to give continuous pain medication.
Does insurance cover pectus carinatum surgery?
Indications for Coverage Surgical repair of Pectus Carinatum may be considered reconstructive and medically necessary. Requests for coverage of repair of Pectus Carinatum will be reviewed by a UnitedHealthcare Medical Director on a case-by-case basis.