[The reconstruction of funnel chest deformity with the reversed transplantation of sternum-costicartilage flap carried by the abdominal rectus pedicle].

Objective: To investigate the reconstructive operative procedures of funnel chest with "sternum-costicartilage" flap carried by the abdominal rectus pedicle.

Methods: (1) In accordance with the lesioned area of funnel-like depressed deformity of anterior thoracic wall, a perpendicular median incision was designed and made; (2) The "sternum-costicartilage" flap carrying the abdominal rectus pedicle was used and reversed and transplanted to reconstruct severe funnel chest deformity.

Results: The procedure was used in 7 cases from 1999 to 2005. The results of surgery were satisfactory. There were no recurrence after operation.

Conclusions: The procedure reported here is rather safe, solid and sound with good therapeutic results, and is of great value in clinical practice.