Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to retrospectively examine the results of Vacuum Bell (VB) treatment in patients with pectus excavatum (PE) and to evaluate treatment outcomes.

Methods: Total of 30 patients who had received VB treatment between the years 2013-2015 were retrospectively examined.The cases were evaluated as for gender, age, and complaints at presentation, physical examination and, radiological findings, application method, and duration of VB treatment, response to VB treatment and family satisfaction.

Results: The male/female ratio was 23/7 (4.2/1). Mean age was 11.5 yrs (r: 4-17 yrs). At admission patients had cosmetic and psychosocial symptoms (n=20), recurrent pulmonary infections (n=7) and tachycardia (n=3). Full recovery was achieved in 7 patients within the first six months The mean age of these 7 patients was 8.5 years (4-9 yrs). Full recovery was achieved in 13 (43%) patients at the end of one year. The mean age of these 13 patients were 13.7 years (9-15 yrs). At the end of two years 7 (23%) patients with a mean age of 16.8 years (13-17 yrs) showed full recovery.. Treatment of the remaining 3 (10%) cases still continued.The mean age of these patients were 16.8 (13-17) years. In total, 90% of patients showed full recovery at the end of two years.

Conclusion: VB application is more advantageous than other treatment methods because it is noninvasive and easy to apply. The measurement of the depth of PE is the most useful and easily applicable method to use for follow-up. The treatment time is shorter and the response is better when VB is administered at an early age. It can be safely used as the first treatment option in the small age group where surgical treatment can not be performed. This application will help to eliminate unnecessary surgical interventions.

Atıf vermek için: Cafarov V, Özcan R, Adaletli İ. Pektus ekskavatum hastalarında vakum bell uygulaması. Çoc. Cer. Derg. 2019;33(3):98-104.