LONG-TERM RESULTS AFTER FUNNEL CHEST OPER ATION

36 out of 62 patients, who underwent surgical correction for funnel ch est deformity between 1978 and 1988 with an average follow-up of 7.6 y ears have been reviewed. The mean age, Hegemann operation was performe d, was 14.1 years. 76% of patients reported preoperatively cardiorespi ratory disorders, 71% showed electrocardiographic and pulmonal alterat ions. Postoperatively significant reduction of cardiorespiratory disor ders but no significant reduction of electrocardiographic changes were seen. The pre-and postoperative radiological and functional measureme nts of the chest deformity which provides an objective evaluation of t he surgical result are described. Surgical treatment is indicated in m ost of cases for cosmetic or psychic reasons. The long-term results we re good or fair in 90% or more of our cases. We suggested that disfigu ring scars with keloid formation causes less mental stress than persis tent congenital malformation of the chest.