🔹 1. What is pectus excavatum? Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken chest, is a condition where the breastbone (sternum) is abnormally depressed, creating a hollow in the chest. In severe cases like the Grand Canyon type, the depression is very deep and can affect both appearance and internal organ function. 🔹 2. What are the complications of severe pectus excavatum? Severe deformities can lead to: • Cardiac compression (heart pushed inward, affecting circulation) • Breathing difficulties due to reduced lung expansion • Exercise intolerance and early fatigue • Postural changes with slouched shoulders • Psychological effects such as low confidence and body image concerns 🔹 3. What is the Grand Canyon type of pectus excavatum? The Grand Canyon type is a descriptive term for one of the most severe and deep forms of pectus excavatum. The chest wall appears extremely sunken, forming a canyon-like hollow across the chest. This type usually requires surgical correction. 🔹 4. How is severe pectus excavatum treated? The gold standard treatment is Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum (MIRPE), also known as the Nuss procedure. • A curved bar is placed behind the sternum to lift it forward. • The bar stays for 2–3 years, allowing the chest wall to remodel into a normal shape. • Small incisions and shorter recovery time compared to open surgery. 🔹 5. Can adults (18 years and older) undergo pectus excavatum surgery? ✅ Yes. While surgery is often performed in adolescence, excellent results are possible even in late teens and young adults. At 18–25 years, chest flexibility decreases slightly, but modern surgical techniques still provide very good correction. 🔹 6. What is the cost of pectus excavatum surgery in Chennai, India? The cost of pectus excavatum surgery in Chennai depends on the severity of the deformity, number of bars required, hospital stay, and additional stabilizers. On average, it ranges from ₹3.5 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs at leading centers, Chennai. 🔹 7. Is there a non-surgical option for pectus excavatum? For mild to moderate deformities, vacuum bell therapy is an option. It uses negative pressure to gradually lift the chest wall. However, in severe cases and asymmetrical type, surgery is usually the only effective option. 🔹 8. Who is the best doctor for pectus excavatum treatment in Chennai? Dr. Rajkamal Vishnu, thoracic surgeon at SIMS Hospital, Chennai, is a specialist in chest wall deformity correction. He has performed numerous successful pectus excavatum and carinatum surgeries using advanced minimally invasive techniques with consistent results. 🔹 9. How long is recovery after pectus excavatum surgery? • Most patients are discharged within 5–7 days. • Normal daily activity can resume in 2–3 weeks. • Sports and heavy exercise can usually be restarted after 3 months. • The pectus bar is typically removed after 2–3 years. 🔹 10. Where can I get pectus excavatum treatment in Chennai? At Chennai, we provide: ✅ Advanced minimally invasive pectus surgery ✅ Comprehensive preoperative CT evaluation ✅ Customized implants and stabilizers ✅ Dedicated follow-up for long-term results 👉 To book a consultation: Dr. Rajkamal Vishnu | Pectus Surgery Specialist 🌐 www.pectussurgeon.in