Surgical correction of pectus excavatum is characterized by which of the following?

B. An increase in exercise tolerance and respiratory reserve postoperatively.

D. Improvement in maximal ventilatory volume, total progressive exercise time, and maximal exercise capacity.

E. Prevention of the development of “thoracogenic scoliosis.” 

DISCUSSION: Because of the significant cosmetic and psychological improvement, subjective increase in exercise tolerance, documented improvement in cardiac and respiratory status, and prevention of the development of scoliosis following surgical intervention in these patients, surgical correction should be considered for all patients with moderate to severe deformity. Cosmetic results of surgical correction are excellent, and recurrence is uncommon. Objective improvement in cardiac function has been documented postoperatively, owing to relief of the sternal compression. Postoperatively, worsening of the FEV 1, vital capacity, and total lung capacity have been noted, whereas a significant improvement in maximal ventilatory volume, total progressive exercise time, and maximal oxygen consumption has also been documented. Following surgical correction there is a consistent increase in maximal exercise capacity at every level of workload, a lower heart rate at every workload, and an increase in exercise duration.