Bai Chay Hospital Early intervention for pectus excavatum in children

With the development of modern medicine, many congenital malformations in children can be detected and effectively intervened early. In particular, Pectus excavatum is being focused on research and treatment by Bai Chay Hospital using the improved Nuss surgical method. This is a new direction, opening up opportunities for comprehensive health and physical recovery for many children in the province.

A team of doctors from Bai Chay Hospital screened children for congenital pectus excavatum in Co To special zone. Photo: Bai Chay Hospital

Pectus excavatum is often detected early in childhood, but the severity varies greatly. In some children, the defect is only manifested by a slight indentation in the front of the chest, but in many severe cases, the sternum and rib cartilage are pulled deep inward, causing compression of the heart and lungs, making the child easily tired, having difficulty breathing, and reducing mobility. If not intervened early, this condition can progress over time, affecting physical development and leaving lasting psychological complexes.

In order to intervene early, giving children the opportunity to develop comprehensively both physically and mentally, Bai Chay Hospital is implementing the treatment of congenital pectus excavatum with the improved Nuss surgery, which is a provincial-level scientific research topic of the Hospital. According to Dr. CKII Hoang Minh Tuan, Head of Quality Management Department (Bai Chay Hospital), the improved Nuss surgery is a technique currently applied by many large centers in the country and internationally because of its safety and effectiveness. The surgery is performed by endoscopy, placing 1 or 2 metal bars under the sternum to lift the concave part to a normal position, helping the chest return to its natural shape. After about 2 years, when the bone structure has stabilized, the metal bars will be removed. The outstanding advantage of this method is that it is less invasive, does not require chest expansion like old techniques, reduces pain, and shortens recovery time. The aesthetic and functional effects are both very good, helping children improve their breathing, circulation and become more confident in daily life and study.

Doctor Hoang Minh Tuan, Head of Quality Management Department (Bai Chay Hospital) examines a child with congenital pectus excavatum in Co To special zone.
Photo: Bai Chay Hospital

Bai Chay Hospital selects children for surgery based on three main criteria: The level of impact on respiratory and circulatory functions; Aesthetic factors; Psychological and social impacts. Doctor Tuan said that the age group from 6 to 12 is considered the "golden time" for surgery. This is the stage when the child's skeleton is still developing, easy to correct and brings long-term stable results. If left later, when the bones have ossified, the effectiveness of surgery will decrease.

Within the framework of the research project, Bai Chay Hospital has organized screening for congenital pectus excavatum for more than 1,500 children in localities in the province, with priority given to remote areas and children with difficult economic circumstances. Cases detected with deformities are listed for surgery or regular monitoring if the level is mild. In the coming time, the Hospital will continue to expand the screening program for pectus excavatum throughout the province. Early screening not only helps in timely intervention, bringing high treatment efficiency, but also contributes to raising awareness among students, parents and teachers about the importance of early detection of congenital deformities.

Dr. Tuan shared: "We hope that in the future there will be more programs to continue and expand screening for other congenital defects so that children in Quang Ninh can be detected early and treated promptly, giving them a healthier and more confident future."

The research topic on intervention for pectus excavatum in children by improved Nuss surgery not only has scientific significance, but also demonstrates the spirit of innovation and creativity of the medical team of Bai Chay Hospital in approaching and mastering modern techniques, while also having profound humanistic values. Many children in difficult circumstances receive free surgery, helping them to overcome their inferiority complex, improve their health, and confidently integrate into the community.

Hoai Minh

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/benh-vien-bai-chay-can-thiep-som-di-tat-lom-nguc-cho-tre-em-3381048.html