Periareolar Access for Pectus Excavatum Correction with Silicone Implants: A New Method to Minimize Postoperative Scars—Review of the Literature, Considerations and Statistical Analysis of Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

Background

Pectus excavatum (PE) is one of the most frequent thoracic malformations. Generally, the malformation is not associated with functional disorders and often constitutes an aesthetic alteration with significant psychological distress.

Objectives

To reduce the visibility of the residual scarring produced by corrective surgery and to improve the aesthetic outcome, the authors propose a new prosthetic implant technique through a periareolar access.

Methods

From January 2005 to January 2015, 11 patients affected with PE underwent the surgical procedure with a sternal prosthesis implanted through a periareolar access with the help of a fiberscope. The preoperative evaluation of the perception of the malformation and postoperation results were made using different questionnaires. The data collected in our series were compared with that reported in 4 different papers where other forms of access were used: sternal, inframammary and transumbilical.

Results

No major complications or dislocation of the implants were reported. Among the complications, 6 postoperative seromas were reported. The patients’ perception of improvement through the use of 2 questionnaires and an evaluation scale showed substantial improvement in all the aesthetic outcomes.

Conclusions

The periareolar technique provides excellent cosmetic results compared to the sternal one. This access causes fewer complications and necessitates a shorter average hospital stay than the sternum access. To conclude, according to what is shown in the literature, periareolar access seems to be a quicker procedure, requiring a shorter stay in hospital, and results in scars that can more easily be hidden and are more accepted by patients.

Level of Evidence IV

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