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Chest malformations (keel chest, funnel chest)

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The most important points

  • Chest malformations such as the keel chest or funnel chest are common changes that affect boys in particular during adolescence.
  • While many sufferers have few or no symptoms, others show shortness of breath on exertion, reduced performance or avoidance behaviour.
  • The treatment options range from muscle and stretching exercises to suction cup therapy (for funnel breasts) and orthosis therapy (for keel breasts) through to surgical correction.
  • In the vast majority of cases, surgical correction immediately leads to a very pleasing cosmetic result, even in the case of pronounced deformities - so much so that most patients would opt for the procedure again.

Clinical picture

What is a thoracic malformation?

Chest malformations such as the keel chest or funnel chest are relatively common and can vary in severity. Boys are more frequently affected than girls.

Symptoms

What are the typical signs of a thoracic malformation?

While some patients show no symptoms, others report shortness of breath on exertion, reduced performance during sport or social withdrawal. Those affected often avoid places such as public showers or bathing establishments.

Diagnosis

How is a thoracic malformation diagnosed?

While thoracic malformations are sometimes already visible in infancy, the full extent of the malformation typically becomes apparent during the growth spurt in puberty.

Therapy

How can a thoracic malformation be treated?

The treatment depends on various factors: the extent of the malformation, the severity of the symptoms, the individual's desire for treatment and the willingness to participate in therapy.

Depending on the situation, the following options may be possible:

  • Physiotherapy with targeted stretching and muscle-building exercises
  • Suction cup therapy for funnel chest
  • Orthosis for keel chest (several hours a day for months to years)
  • Surgical correction for more pronounced forms

The UKBB is one of the few centres that offer both conservative and surgical procedures for funnel chest and keel chest. The procedures are usually minimally invasive (keyhole technique), resulting in barely visible scars later on. The paediatric surgery team at the UKBB is internationally networked and works according to the latest standards.

Hospitalisation

What happens during my child's hospitalisation?

Only the surgical treatment of thoracic malformations requires hospitalisation, which usually lasts around five days.

Forecast

What is the prognosis for a thoracic malformation?

The prognosis, even for the most severe malformations, is generally excellent following surgical treatment. Immediately after the operation, the contour of the chest is completely normalised and patients are very satisfied with the result in most cases. Survey studies conducted at UKBB confirm this positive development and show that almost all patients who have undergone surgery would opt for surgery again.

The prognosis after suction cup therapy for funnel chest varies depending on the individual case. If this therapy does not bring the desired success, there is always the option of surgical treatment.

Literature

Further reading

  • Failed Preoperative Vacuum Bell Therapy does not affect outcomes following Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum. Pediatric Surgery International 07/2021. Muff J, Guglielmetti LC, Gros S, Buchmüller L, Frongia G, Holland-Cunz SG, De Trey T, Vuille-dit-Bille RN
  • Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum (=MIRPE) according to Nuss. Paediatrica Vol 33;1-2022. de Trey T,Vuille-dit-Bille RN, Holland-Cunz SG

Responsible department

Who treats this clinical picture?

Counselling hotline for child and youth emergencies

The Medgate Kids Line provides quick and uncomplicated medical advice if your child is unwell. The medical team of our partner Medgate is available to you by telephone around the clock.

058 387 78 82
(billing via health insurance)

For emergencies abroad: Call the emergency number of your health insurance company. You will find this number on your health insurance card.

More information: On the Page of the emergency ward you will find everything you need to know about behaviour in emergencies, typical childhood illnesses and waiting times.

Important emergency numbers

144 Outpatient clinic
145 Tox Info Suisse (Poisonings)
117 Police
118 Fire brigade

UKBB

University Children's Hospital Basel
Spitalstrasse 33
4056 Basel | CH

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