Anesthesia and Analgesia for Pectus Excavatum Surgery

Pectus deformities, mainly pectus excavatum, are the most common chest wall deformity seen by pediatricians and family practitioners. Originally described by Ravitch in 1949, pectus repair was undertaken in the more severe instances to correct the existing deformity and to prevent its progression. It was believed at the time of surgical correction that younger patients had a higher chance for attaining a normal appearance with subsequent growth of the thoracic cage. These deformities are caused by defective growth of the sternum and surrounding costal cartilages. Although criticized by some as a cosmetic repair, other evidence supports surgical repair because of the increased likelihood of progressive cardiopulmonary dysfunction over time.