Surgical correction of pectus carinatum improves perceived body image, mental health and self-esteem

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of surgical correction of pectus carinatum on health-related quality of life and self-esteem. Methods: Between May 2012 and May 2013, a prospective observational single-center cohort study was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing surgical correction of pectus carinatumat our institution. Patients filled in questionnaires on health-related quality of life and self-esteem before and six months after surgery. Results: Disease-specific health-related quality of life was improved by 33% (95% CI: 23; 44%) according to responses to the Nuss Questionnaire modified for Adults. The improvement for generic mental health-related quality of life was 7% (95% CI: 3; 12%) in responses to the Short Form-36 Questionnaire. The improvement in self-esteem was 9% (95% CI: 2; 17%) as assessed with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. A Single Step Questionnaire supported the improvements in health-related quality of life and self-esteem six months postsurgery. Conclusion: This study confirms positive effects of surgical correction of pectus carinatum on health-related quality of life and self-esteem. Patients were to a greater extent self-satisfied about chest appearance following surgery, indicating this to be a step in the right direction toward improved body image, mental health and self-esteem. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.