Surgical correction of pectus excavatum deformity and hypomastia

Female patients occasionally present with major pectus excavatum and hypomastia. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of female patients who had combined surgical correction of both deformities. Since 1990, 12 young female patients underwent correction using a modelling sternochondroplasty with osteosynthesis using Borrelly’s slide fastener-handle. After 1 year, the material was removed, and the breast implants were placed in the subpectoral plane. Our investigation was based on functional, morphological, aesthetic and psychological criteria. Despite nonsignificant pulmonary function tests (p < 0.05), we noted a subjective improvement of physical capacity during exercise following pectus excavatum repair. Correction of thorax deformity increased the sternovertebral distance by a mean of 3.2 cm (range 1.5–5.5 cm) thus treating mediastinal compression. As for aesthetic results, all patients were satisfied or very satisfied. The psychological benefit was considered as phenomenal after surgical treatment. Repair of pectus excavatum by sternochondroplasty combined with correction of hypomastia for female patients suffering from a double deformity is possible with only two different operations.