Proposing the Retrosternal Angle as a Diagnostic Measure for Banana Sternum in Pectus Excavatum.

Background/purpose: Anteriorly convex sternum in pectus excavatum, also known as banana sternum (BS), influences decision-making during repair and, especially, the need to cross bars. However, the definition of BS remains subjective. Thus, we aim to propose the retrosternal angle (RSA) as a diagnostic measure for the discrimination of BS.

Complications after Nuss bar removal procedure for pectus excavatum. Analysis and proposal of a safety protocol.

Objective: The Nuss bar removal procedure may bring about different complications. Some are mild while others can be life-threatening. An adequate surgery setup and the fulfilment of some security steps may reduce their incidence.

Novel index to estimate the cephalocaudal extent of the excavation in pectus excavatum: The Titanic index.

Background/purpose: Quantification of the severity of pectus excavatum deformities is currently performed using the Haller index (HI) and the Correction index (CI), amongst others. However, most indexes characterize the severity at the point of maximum excavation. We present a new index, the Titanic index (TI), aimed at the appraisal of the cephalocaudal extent of the excavation and its potential clinical use.

Implementation and acceptance rates of a specially designed vacuometer for the vacuum bell treatment of pectus excavatum.

Background / Purpose: To report the implementation of a specially designed vacuometer for the ambulatory measurement of the exact negative pressure self-applied by the patient when using the vacuum bell for the treatment of pectus excavatum and to analyze patient satisfaction with the device, by conducting a survey.

Methods: Between October 2018 and June 2020, all patients with pectus excavatum who received a vacuum bell at our Pectus Clinic were provided with a specially designed pectus vacuometer for their personal use. We described the vacuometer, the fundamentals of its development, and the utilization protocol.

Choledochal cyst in pediatric patients: a 10-year single institution experience.

Background: Choledochal cysts (CCs) are rare congenital dilatations of the biliar tree. The incidence is 1:150,000. A correct diagnosis and surgical treatment are important because of the long term risks of infection and neoplasia.