The impact of developing a pectus center for chest wall deformities

Purpose: In 2011, we established a dedicated center for patients with chest wall deformities. Here, we evaluate the center’s effect on patient volume and management. Methods: A retrospective review of 699 patients with chest wall anomalies was performed. Patients were compared, based on the date of initial consultation, before the pectus center opened (July 2009–June 2011, Group 1) versus after (July 2011–June 2013, Group 2). Analysis was performed utilizing Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: 320 patients were in Group 1 and 379 in Group 2, an 18.4 % increase in patient volume. Excavatum patients increased from 172 (Group 1) to 189 (Group 2). Carinatum patients increased from 125 (Group 1) to 165 (Group 2). Patients undergoing operative repair of carinatum/mixed defects dropped significantly from 15 % (Group 1) to 1 % (Group 2) (p < 0.01), whereas those undergoing nonoperative bracing for carinatum/mixed defects rose significantly from 19 % (Group 1) to 63 % (Group 2) (p < 0.01). Patients traveled 3–1249 miles for a single visit. Conclusion: Initiating a dedicated pectus center increased patient volume and provided an effective transition to nonoperative bracing for carinatum patients. The concentrated focus of medical staff dedicated to chest wall deformities has allowed us to treat patients on a local and regional level.