Question 1

can pectus excavatum press on the heart or lungs and become fatal?

Accepted Answer

Doubtful: I couldn't locate a controlled study on long-term effects if surgery is not done.  In most cases the condition is cosmetic, and there were no reported deaths.  Severe pectus excavatum does decrease lung and cardiac function, however, basically through compression and smaller volumes.  A pediatric surgeon would be able to give you a better idea of the future after checking the individual patient.

Question 2

how serious is my pectus excavatum?

Accepted Answer

You decide: Pectus varies in severity. I see that you are an adult. If you want it repaired for cosmetic reasons, or your physician says it is interfering with something in your chest, get with a subspecialist who does these procedures.

Question 3

what are the social impacts of pectus excavatum?

Accepted Answer

All depends on peers: Depends on how tolerant the peer group is towards physical deformities. In some cultures no stigma, in others, varying degrees of acceptance versus rejection.

Question 4

what happens if you don't treat pectus excavatum?

Accepted Answer

NoT much: Rarely does this cause any medical condition besides the cosmetic appearance. It is usually done in teenage boys for purely cosmetic and social reasons.

Question 5

please help docs! is pectus excavatum dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Pectus Excavatum: The severity of the pectus will determine symptoms and risk of cardio-pulmonary problems.

Here are some links with helpful information:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1004953-overview

http://www.musckids.org/pectus/conditions/pectus_excavatum

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Andre_Hebra/publication/236595059_Nuss_Procedure_for_Pectus_Excavatum/links/0deec51ed6b91290fc000000.pdf

Question 6

is there sucha a thing as pectus excavatum repair?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: There are two procedures. The nuss procedure is less invasive and there is thge ravitch procedure which is more invasive . Results are similar with both procedures.

Question 7

how hard is the recovery from a pectus excavatum repair?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It all depends on the procedure used. The ravitch is a very extensive procedure which involves a large incision and removal of many cartilaginous ribs. This destabilizes the chest wall. The nuss procedure is less invasive, shorter , and does not destabilize the chest. Both have residual postoperative pain. Most patients are back toi baseline comfort within 3-4 weeks depending on age.

Question 8

is it possible to get six pack abs with pectus excavatum?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Pectus excavatum means the chest has a sunken appearance.  If no heart or lung problems are present, the abdomen is unaffected. Six-pack abs requires eliminating fat and proper exercise program. Fat obscures the definition of the abs. To shed it requires proper nutrition and aerobic conditioning e.g. Running. Women naturally store more fat than men, so it is harder to have well defined abs.  Body fat low enough to have a six-pack may stop menstrual cycles, which is unhealthy.

Question 9

any differences between a barrel chest and pectus excavatum?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Pe is a sunken chest associated with deformed cartilages. I'm not sure what you are referring to when you say " barrel chest". People with emphysema often are described as having a "barrel chest".

Question 10

what are the details of how pectus excavatum surgery is done?

Accepted Answer

Extensive: Wires attached to a frame around the chest.

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Is pectus excavatum fatal

A member asked:

Can pectus excavatum press on the heart or lungs and become fatal?

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How serious is my pectus excavatum?

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What are the social impacts of pectus excavatum?

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What happens if you don't treat pectus excavatum?

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Please help docs! is pectus excavatum dangerous?

A member asked:

Is there sucha a thing as pectus excavatum repair?

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How hard is the recovery from a pectus excavatum repair?

A member asked:

Is it possible to get six pack abs with pectus excavatum?

A member asked:

Any differences between a barrel chest and pectus excavatum?

A member asked:

What are the details of how pectus excavatum surgery is done?

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