Pectus Excavatum Questions and Answers (FAQs) is an informative space for the patient. Here you will find the most frequently asked questions and answers to easily understand everything about the corrective treatment of Pectus Excavatum<\/a> with Pectus Up<\/a>. A section designed to guide you and help you solve your doubts about the surgical treatment of Pectus Excavatum.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> The ideal age to intervene in a patient with symptomatic Pectus Excavatum is prepubertal age (12-14 years) to avoid possible complications derived from the disease itself and the psychological problems that may appear. That said, thanks to the ease of the Pectus Up technique, adult patients can also benefit from surgical treatment with this new technique.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> For pediatric patients, surgical repair of Pectus Excavatum was previously recommended in symptomatic cases as soon as possible. However, it has recently been shown that the results are not as positive in very young children and, for this reason, it is currently recommended to delay the age of surgery, establishing the optimal age from 8 years.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> It is always advisable to practice exercise so that the patient adopts a correct posture and improves her physical condition. In people affected by Pectus Excavatum it is advisable to perform stretching and breathing exercises to increase lung capacity. It is advisable to practice swimming as it facilitates this aspect and also strengthens the muscles.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> The performance of gymnastic exercises will serve as a complement to provide improvements in terms of breathing, strength and resistance, without correcting the malformation, although it does improve the muscular and physical part in general. Exercises to muscle the upper trunk area can be performed and can improve the aesthetic appearance, although care must be taken since, on occasions, the result may be the opposite, that the sinking is still perceived plus. We recommend seeking advice from specialists in this matter.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> The best option for improvement is, without a doubt, stretching. The practice of stretching allows the chest to be stretched so that the cartilage attached to the sternum and the adjacent ribs adapt to condition an upright posture.<\/em><\/p>\n Therefore, stretching will be key when it comes to correcting, in a certain way, the appearance of the Pectus Excavatum. It should not be forgotten that warm-up exercises will be essential for good adaptation and to avoid abnormally overstretching different parts of the body.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> You must be careful with personal hygiene to avoid possible infections. The wound cannot be touched or wet. In addition, the dressing will not be able to be lifted until the first check-up with the surgeon. It is recommended to practice deep breathing exercises several times a day.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Good posture should be maintained.<\/em><\/p>\n Abnormal or rigid postures that a priori can avoid pain should not be adopted, since they can be the cause of other later alterations. It is not advisable to be in a decubitus position (lying down) for a long time.<\/em><\/p>\n It is advisable to sleep on the back and avoid lying on the side during sleep (at least during the first month, if possible).<\/em><\/p>\n Avoid exposure to risky situations, crowded environments and violent physical contact.<\/em><\/p>\n Wide movements of the torso should be avoided, as well as abrupt rotations of the torso, lifting weights or carrying backpacks during the first month.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> The usual size of the scar is about 3-4 cm, approximately the size of the implant width.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> If the wound undergoes any change, such as suppuration, swelling and\/or opening of any area of the wound, the surgeon should be consulted.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> The postoperative period is very little painful and is treated with minor analgesics (ibuprofen, paracetamol, mostly).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> It is necessary to follow the instructions of the analgesic therapy prescribed after medical discharge. In case of experiencing pain, you can take the analgesics recommended by the surgeon, and if the pain persists, the patient should contact specialist.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> The expression \u201cnormal or daily life\u201d is relative. The reference would be a person who performs social, family, work or academic activities with a medium-low level of physical activity (without activities that carry a high risk).<\/em><\/p>\n After surgical repair of Pectus Excavatum with the Pectus Up method, the patient should rest for about a week after surgery, and relative rest for about a month is recommended.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Due to the low pain and good recovery, the operated patients could be incorporated to their daily normality (school, work) a week after the intervention, but depending on the activity involved in their profession is adapted in each case.<\/em><\/p>\n It is advisable 2-3 weeks to go to school, and also in the case of sedentary jobs. In other more active professions, consult with the surgeon.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Sleep on your back and avoid lying on your side during sleep (at least during the first month, if possible).<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> The rest period is about one week after surgery. <\/em><\/p>\n This will consist of resuming daily activities, maintaining good posture and avoiding movements that cause pain.<\/em><\/p>\n Refrain from sports activities during the three months following the operation, including weight lifting.<\/em><\/p>\n The patient will be able to go to class or to his usual work two to three weeks after the operation, as long as it does not involve sports activities, lifting weights or the use of backpacks, and always respecting the surgeon’s recommendations.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>PECTUS EXCAVATUM<\/h2><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is Pectus Excavatum hereditary?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What is the best age for surgical treatment of Pectus Excavatum?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What age is recommended for pediatric patients?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is physical exercise recommended for an adult affected by Pectus Excavatum?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Can gymnastic exercises correct or improve Pectus Excavatum?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What kind of activities are the most advisable?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
POST INTERVENTION<\/h2><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What are the common cares that will have to be carried out right after a Pectus Excavatum surgery with the Pectus Up?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What precautions should I take after Pectus Excavatum surgery with Pectus Up?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What is the size of the scar remaining after surgical repair of Pectus Excavatum with the Pectus Up?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What to do if alterations appear in the wound?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Is the postoperative period painful?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What to do in case of pain?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>When will I be able to lead a normal life once the Pectus Up procedure has been carried out?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>How long should I be on sick leave or not go to school?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>Should you sleep in a specific position after Pectus Excavatum surgery with the Pectus Up?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>How long is the rest period and what does it consist of?<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>