Children Who Have Undergone the Nuss Pectus Excavatum Procedure

Purpose of Study

• To better understand the quality of life experiences of children who have undergone the Nuss Pectus Excavatum Procedure.
• To develop a more comprehensive foundation of knowledge allowing medical and school professionals to better care for these children.

What is Pectus Excavatum?

• Pectus Excavatum is a chest-wall deformity, known as “Funnel Chest”. With this condition, the sternum has a posterior (backwards) curve that creates an asymmetrical, deeply sunken chest. The abdomen also protrudes. The condition results in appearance and self-esteem issues as well as physiological concerns.

Nuss Pectus Excavatum Procedure

• The “Ratvich Repair” was the former surgical option. Dr. Allan Hayashi is the Victoria paediatric surgeon who is now performing the Nuss Pectus Excavatum surgery. He has undergone extensive training in the United States, and is currently performing selected surgeries on BC children in the Victoria General Hospital.

Published Findings

Roberts, J., Hayashi, A., Anderson, J., Maxwell, L. (2003). Quality of life of patients who have undergone the Nuss Procedure for pectus excavatum: Preliminary findings. Journal of Pediatric Surgery, 38, 779-783.

Work in-Press

Roberts, J., MacMath, S., English, M., Martin, J., Hayashi, A., & Sigalet, D. (in press). Body disfigurement and the quality of life of adolescents with pectus excavatum: Effects of the Nuss procedure. Physical Disabilities: Education and Related Services.

Submitted for Publication

MacMath, S., & Roberts, J. (submitted for review). A Theoretical Model for the Qualitative Analysis of Disfigurement Adjustment.