Long-term results after operation for funnel chest.

The cases of 36 out of 62 patients who underwent surgical correction of funnel chest deformity between 1978 and 1988 with an average follow-up of 7.6 years were reviewed. The mean age at which the Hegemann operation was performed was 14.1 years. Preoperative cardiorespiratory disorders were reported by 76% of patients, while 71% showed electrocardiographic and pulmonary alterations. Post-operatively, cardiorespiratory disorders were significantly reduced, but the electrocardiographic changes were not. The pre- and postoperative radiological and functional measurements of the chest deformity which allow an objective evaluation of the surgical result are described. Surgical treatment is indicated in most cases of funnel chest deformity, for cosmetic or psychological reasons. The long-term results were good or fair in 90% or more of our cases. We suggested that disfiguring scars with keloid formation cause less psychological distress than persistent congenital malformation of the chest.