What is a Ravitch procedure?
What is a Ravitch procedure?
The Ravitch procedure involves an incision across the chest and the removal of the cartilage that causes the defect. The sternum is then placed in the normal position. If your child is being treated for pectus excavatum, a small bar is then inserted under the sternum to hold it in the desired position.
Is Ravitch procedure painful?
The pectus repair is a painful procedure. Length of stay is dictated by postoperative pain management. Following the operation, most children stay in the hospital for approximately 5 days. An epidural catheter, placed in the back, will be used to give continuous pain medication.
What is the difference between Nuss and Ravitch procedure?
Pros and cons: Nuss vs Ravitch Whereas the Ravitch Procedure offers less pain after the procedure, the Nuss procedure gives a better cosmetic result. Dr. Hans Pilegaard primarily uses the Nuss procedure as it is the best option for most patients with pectus excavatum – even for patients older than 30 years.
How long is recovery from Ravitch procedure?
Every patient is different but on average it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to recover from the surgery though it will take up to 12 weeks before you return to full and normal physical activities including sports. Vigorous sport activities including contact sports should probably be avoided for up to 6 months after surgery.
How painful is pectus carinatum surgery?
The surgical repair of pectus carinatum is a painful procedure. Length of stay in the hospital is determined primarily by pain control.
Is pectus carinatum surgery risky?
The surgical repair of pectus carinatum, like other extensive surgeries, carries certain risks. While the Ravitch procedure is also safe and effective, complications can occur, including: Pneumothorax (a buildup of air or gas in the pleural space around the lung) Bleeding.
Will insurance cover pectus excavatum surgery?
Policy. Aetna considers surgical repair of severe pectus excavatum deformities that cause functional deficit medically necessary when done for medical reasons in members who meet all of the following criteria: Well-documented evidence of complications arising from the sternal deformity.
What is the best age for pectus excavatum surgery?
Background: The ideal time to operate on pectus excavatum (PE) using the Nuss procedure (NP) is between 12 and 18 years of age, because it is more difficult to bend the sternum of older patients and they have more pain and complications.