Question
My child has congenital funnel chest. How should it be treated, what is the cost of treatment, and can calcium supplementation work?
Answer
Congenital funnel chest can present with symptoms ranging from mild to moderate to severe. Generally, children with mild funnel chest show no symptoms, but those with moderate to severe cases may experience symptoms like exercise impairment, palpitations, and shortness of breath after physical activity. To treat this condition, surgery is required. After a successful surgery, children can return to normal daily life and work. In terms of treatment, pediatric funnel chest surgery typically employs methods such as V-shaped sternotomy, multi-segmental rib cartilage resection, and Kirschner wire internal fixation. These techniques have minimal trauma, significant correction effects, and fewer complications.