Impact of pectus excavatum on pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients treated with 3D custom-made silicone implants

Background: Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common congenital chest wall deformity, whose cardiopulmonary consequences are controversial. PE surgery is in our experience usually performed for aesthetic reasons.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PE on respiratory function and exercise capacity in patients with PE before patient-specific silicone implant correction.

Methods: This monocentric prospective study conducted at Toulouse University Hospital included sixty patients scheduled for custom-made silicone implants correction. Respiratory function (pulmonary function tests (FPTs)) and exercise capacity (VO₂ max) were measured before surgery.

Results: Before surgery, no (0/60) restrictive lung disease was detected, with a mean total lung capacity (TLC) of 98.5% of predicted value (IC 95%; 80.4-137). Median VO₂ max (n=56) was normal (89% predicted), with no cardiac limitation.

Conclusion: In this cohort, PE had no impact on respiratory function nor exercise capacity. In patients without cardiac or respiratory effects of PE, silicone implants should be considered the preferred approach as it adequately addressed patients' main complaint of low self-esteem.