Complications after pectus excavatum surgery
Feb 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
The support frame is located beneath the incision and communicates with the thoracic cavity. If the patient has a thin chest wall, or if after surgery the patient does not follow proper dietary guidelines or fails to protect the wound—such as allowing it to get wet or touching it with hands—infection of the incision may occur. Additionally, if the patient does not rest as instructed by the physician, resumes activity too early, or engages in strenuous exercise after surgery, it may affect the position of the internal steel plate, leading to plate displacement or slippage.
The complications resulting from pectus excavatum surgery mainly include wound infection, plate displacement or slippage, and pericardial injury.
1. Wound Infection
The support bar lies beneath the surgical incision and communicates with the thoracic cavity. If the patient has a relatively thin chest wall, wound infection may occur, and in some cases, even foreign body rejection reactions. Additionally, improper diet after surgery or inadequate protection of the wound—such as allowing it to get wet or touching it with hands—may also lead to wound infection.
2. Plate Displacement or Slippage
If patients do not follow medical advice to rest adequately after surgery and instead engage in early or strenuous physical activity, the position of the implanted plate may be affected, leading to plate displacement or slippage.
3. Pericardial Injury
The deepest part of the pectus excavatum lies immediately adjacent to the pericardium, with a natural space existing between the pericardium and the sternum. In some patients, however, the pericardium may be abnormally adhered to the sternum, increasing surgical difficulty. During the procedure, this anatomical variation may result in pericardial injury, potentially affecting the patient's health.
Patients should strictly follow medical instructions to minimize the risk of complications and reduce the physical impact of pectus excavatum surgery.
