Cleft lip and cleft palate occur as incomplete development of a fetus. It is where the lips (cleft lip) or the roof of the mouth (cleft palate) do not completely fuse in the mid-line. They can occur together or separately.
Birth Defects
The cause of most birth defects is unknown, though genetics and environmental factors can play a role. While prenatal tests can detect some birth defects, many are not found immediately. Some birth defects can be prevented by taking vitamins with folic acid before conception and avoiding known contaminants such as smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs.
Recently Answered
-
3 AnswersA
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgerySee All 3 AnswersRecovery after pectus excavatum repair varies depending on the patient's age and the amount of chest depression. Most patients leave the hospital within 3 to 5 days and can return to school or work within two to three weeks. Patients must avoid vigorous exercise for the first month after surgery, and contact sports for three months after surgery.
-
3 AnswersA
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgerySee All 3 Answers
The ideal age for surgical treatment of pectus excavatum is between 12-18 years of age. Most pectus excavatum patients—both adolescents and adults—are treated using minimally invasive techniques. Many school age patients undergo surgery during the summer months to avoid missing time in school. Adults undergoing surgery often coordinate the procedure with their work schedule to minimize time off.
-
2 AnswersA
Sunrise Children's Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersPectus excavatum is caused by a genetic component related to connective tissue disorders.
-
2 AnswersA
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgerySee All 2 Answers
Pectus excavatum can compromise lung and heart capacity, especially when it is severe, causing the patient to experience reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat. In some patients, there may be a heart murmur caused by the proximity of the sternum and the pulmonary artery. For ordinary everyday activities, a person with pectus excavatum may have no symptoms, however with rigorous exercise, symptoms often appear. Lung capacity may be curtailed because lungs are confined and cannot properly expand.
During exercise, the patient compensates by engaging the diaphragm in breathing in order to enable the lungs to expand more and obtain adequate oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange for the demands of the body. The additional energy utilized for breathing in this manner contributes to fatigue. Patients with severe pectus excavatum, often notice that they are incapable of similar levels of activity as their peers. This can be especially difficult for adolescents and teenagers, who often withdraw from participating in sports or other high stress physical activities.
In addition to its more serious symptoms, pectus excavatum may have negative psychosocial effects in child and teen-age patients, who experience self consciousness and difficult peer interactions stemming from their appearance. Often these children and teenagers avoid activities that expose the chest.
-
1 AnswerA
Wesley Medical Center answeredThe Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive repair to pectus excavatum, better known as sunken chest or funnel chest.
-
2 AnswersA
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgerySee All 2 Answers
The goal of surgery to correct a pectus excavatum defect is to improve the patient's breathing, posture and cardiac function, in addition to giving the chest a normal appearance. This is typically accomplished by repositioning the breastbone. Surgical repair has excellent success rates, with cardiovascular and lung function return to near normal in the majority of patients.
-
4 AnswersA
Wesley Medical Center answeredSee All 4 Answers
Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity characterized by a concave sternum or breastbone that can compress or displace the lungs and heart. The condition, also known as “sunken chest” or “funnel chest,” results in chest pain or shortness of breath with exertion. Pectus excavatum can be corrected with a minimally invasive procedure called the Nuss procedure.
-
2 AnswersA
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD , Thoracic Surgery (Cardiothoracic Vascular), answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of SurgerySee All 2 Answers
The minimally invasive Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum is performed with general anesthesia, as well as placement of an epidural catheter for pain management after the operation. Performed using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or VATS, The Nuss procedure involves creation of a horizontal passage underneath the sternum through two small incisions in the side of the patient's chest. A separate, small incision enables the surgeon to view the inside of the chest with the thoracoscopic camera. A convex steel bar known as the Lorenz pectus bar is specially shaped to fit the patient's anatomy, inserted through the passage and then turned to push the sternum outward. A metal plate and sutures secure the bar and prevent it from moving ("wandering") while the chest tissue re-forms. The bar must remain in place for a minimum of two years while the chest heals and re-forms to its new shape. The bar is removed as an outpatient procedure.
-
1 AnswerA
To treat congenital lung lesions, your doctor may recommend removing the damaged portion of the lungs. This surgery is performed during infancy.