Cardiopulmonary Outcomes and Quality of Life Post-Surgery in Pectus Excavatum: A Narrative Review

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594982408118

• Palavras-chave: Cardiopulmonary outcomes; Pectus excavatum surgery; Quality of life improvement; Surgical correction of thoracic deformities; Pediatric and adult cardiopulmonary function.

• Keywords: Cardiopulmonary outcomes; Pectus excavatum surgery; Quality of life improvement; Surgical correction of thoracic deformities; Pediatric and adult cardiopulmonary function.

• Abstract: INTRODUCTION Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity with significant implications for cardiopulmonary function due to its compressive effects on the heart and lungs. The deformity, varying in severity, often leads to reduced cardiac output and compromised pulmonary capacity, resulting in exercise intolerance and fatigue. Surgical intervention is commonly indicated for patients with severe cardiopulmonary and psychological impacts, with the Nuss and Ravitch procedures as primary corrective methods. Diagnostic imaging, alongside cardiopulmonary assessments, guides the decision-making process, with both physiological and psychosocial improvements being anticipated outcomes of successful correction. OBJETIVE The primary objective of this review was to evaluate the impact of surgical correction of pectus excavatum on cardiopulmonary function and quality of life, focusing on outcomes across age groups and degrees of deformity severity. METHODS This is a narrative review which included studies in the MEDLINE – PubMed (National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health), COCHRANE, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases, using as descriptors“Pectus Excavatum” OR “Cardiopulmonary Function” OR “Surgical Correction” OR “Quality of Life” OR “Thoracic Deformities” in the last  years. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Surgical correction of pectus excavatum demonstrates significant improvements in cardiac and pulmonary function, notably in increased stroke volume, diastolic filling, and exercise capacity. Pulmonary outcomes reveal enhancements in lung volumes and efficiency, particularly in pediatric patients. Age at surgery influences recovery and peak functional improvement, with younger patients achieving more rapid and pronounced results. Quality of life and psychosocial health show notable gains post-surgery, including improved self-esteem and social engagement. Although complications such as bar displacement and infection occur, they are generally manageable with proper preoperative planning and procedural precision, yielding high rates of patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION Pectus excavatum surgery substantially benefits patients with severe deformities, offering improvements in cardiopulmonary function and quality of life. Early intervention yields the best outcomes, with sustained gains in cardiac and respiratory performance and enhanced mental well-being. Despite the possibility of complications, careful patient selection and post-surgical support minimize risks. Advances in surgical approaches and rehabilitation strategies will continue to optimize outcomes for both pediatric and adult patients, establishing surgical correction as an effective intervention for addressing the multifaceted impacts of pectus excavatum.