Sports activity in adolescents in The Netherlands with a pectus excavatum; the impact of surgery.

Purpose: Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common chest wall deformity in adolescents. The main complaint is cosmetic, but many patients also complain about exertional dyspnea. This may lead to the patient seeking surgery of the thoracic wall deformity (TWD). The assumption is that both, appearance and physical complaints will have a negative effect on being able or wanting to engage in sport activity. Methods: In December 2011 a prospective registration of sport activity in pectus excavatum patients started. Sport activity was assessed using questionnaires (CHQ, SF-36 and PEEQ). Measurements were taken before corrective surgery (preoperatively) and 12 months postoperatively. Results: 127 patients have been included. The number of patients who were active in sports preoperatively and after 12 months remained steady. The type of sport activity, individual sport or team sport showed no significant change. The CHQ showed that physical activity caused fewer complaints (p < 0.001). The PEEQ showed a decrease in difficulties with sports activity performance after 12 months (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Twelve months after surgical correction of PE there was no significant increase in the number of patients performing sport activities. However there was a significant decrease of complaints or difficulties during sport compared to preoperatively. Level of evidence: Level IV.