Methods: This retrospective review included 51 patients (36 males, 15 females; mean age 13 years; range 4 to 27 years) who underwent surgical repair for pectus excavatum (PE) or pectus carinatum (PC). The patients were evaluated with regard to age, gender, presenting symptoms, physical examination findings, associated anomalies, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and recurrence. The mean follow- up period was 33.9 months (range 2 to 70 months).

Results: Of 51 patients, 36 had PE and 15 had PC. The most common complaint was cosmetic problems (39.7%). The most commonly performed surgical procedure was the modified Ravitch technique. For sternal stabilization, Prolene mesh was used in three patients and a Kirschner wire in one patient. Postoperative complications were encountered in nine patients (17.6%), including pneumothorax (n=3), wound site infection (n=2), hemorrhage (n=2), pleural fluid collection (n=1), and subcutaneous emphysema (n=1). One patient developed recurrence one year after surgery for PC.

Conclusion: The optimal age range for corrective surgery for pectus deformities is 7 to 15 years. The modified Ravitch procedure can be used safely and successfully in the repair of such deformities. Prolene mesh may be effective for sternal stabilization in young adults.