No, not immediately. For patients with asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (ATD), respiratory function does not improve right after surgery because the heart and lungs have been compressed for a long time. Particularly for those with severe deformities, they may require ventilator support initially to regain spontaneous breathing. Subsequently, through breathing exercise, respiratory function will gradually improve.

The cost of surgery is usually around $14,000.  For more severe cases that require respiratory rehabilitation and a longer hospital stay, the total cost is usually between $21,000 and $25,000. The exact amount depends on the patient’s individual condition and the specific surgical plan.

It is common to experience significant pain in the initial postoperative period, particularly among adolescent and adult patients due to their more rigid skeletal structure. Our hospital employs a comprehensive, multi-modal analgesia protocol to ensure effective pain control. This integrated approach includes:

• Intraoperative Intervention: Intercostal nerve blocks are administered to prevent pain signals from transmitting.
• Postoperative Medication: Continuous pain management is delivered through a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump, supplemented with scheduled intravenous analgesics.
• Adjunctive Rehabilitation Therapy: Our dedicated rehabilitation team provides personalized physiotherapy, incorporating techniques such as acupuncture, therapeutic massage, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy. These modalities are highly effective in alleviating localized pain and common discomforts like postoperative bloating.

The expected hospital stay varies significantly by age group and severity:

• Children under 6 years old: Typically require hospitalization for approximately 2 to 4 weeks.
• Children aged 6 to 14: This group usually presents with more severe deformities and are in a critical period of growth and development. After surgery, they often require the assistance of a ventilator to gradually regain spontaneous breathing. Meanwhile, restrictions on pediatric pain management and nutritional medications necessitate a more cautious approach. As a result, the hospital stay for this group generally exceeds one month.
• Patients aged 15 and above (including adults): These individuals often have severe deformities and impaired cardiopulmonary function. It takes a relatively long time for them to recover spontaneous breathing postoperatively, and the hospital stay can range from 2 to 3 months or even longer.

It is important to note that patients with secondary ATD commonly have comorbid conditions like other chest wall deformities or diseases, such as chest wall fractures or chest wall tumors. These underlying issues need to be treated simultaneously.  As a result, the hospital stay for these patients usually lasts about 2 to 3 months.

The risk is very low. The bars used in surgery are made of titanium alloy, which provides excellent rigidity and resistance to deformation. In addition, the Wang Technique, a cutting-edge bar fixation method, is utilized during surgery to rigidly stabilize the bars in position, effectively preventing movement. Long-term clinical data confirms that the vast majority of patients do not experience bar displacement or deformation.  It is crucial to note that during the early postoperative period, patients should avoid vigorous exercise and be mindful in their daily lives to avoid significant impact or trauma to the chest, thereby reducing the likelihood of bar displacement.

For children under 6 years old, implanted bars may pose a potential impact on thoracic development. However, as asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy (ATD) is a life-threatening condition, prompt surgical intervention is indispensable. After the child’s condition becomes stable post - surgery, regular follow - up visits are required. The surgeon will evaluate the optimal timing for bar removal based on the chest wall morphology and cardiopulmonary function, ensuring the healthy develop of the chest wall bones.

Most patients can usually return to regular work or school (excluding heavy physical labor) around 3 months after discharged. Light exercise, such as jogging or walking, can be resumed gradually, with intensity increased step by step if no significant discomfort occurs.

It is crucial to note that if you encounter any discomfort, such as chest pain or shortness of breath during exercise, you should stop the activity immediately. If necessary, a chest X - ray or CT scan can be arranged for further examination.

Yes, for the initial postoperative period, maintaining a specific sleeping position is important for healing. It is advised to sleep in a supine position (lying on your back) or a modified lateral position (partially reclining on one side) for the first month , adjusting as needed for comfort around the incision sites. Additionally, you need to avoid movements with a large range of motion, like chest expansion, bending over, and lifting heavy objects. After about a month, once your incisions have completely healed, you can gradually start sleeping on your side.

After the drainage tubes are removed (the removal time is determined by the drainage volume and follow - up examination results, generally within 1 - 2 weeks), you can take a shower with the wound covered by waterproof dressings. After finishing the shower, replace the dressings with breathable gauze to protect the wound. Around 3 weeks after surgery, once the incisions have completely healed, you can take a normal shower.

Patients are discharged only after meeting strict safety criteria, so most complications can generally be ruled out and the likelihood of later complications is extremely low. Additionally, the bars are firmly secured, and the surgical technique is specifically designed to prevent issues like bar displacement.

However, if you notice any symptoms, such as delayed wound healing or pain, please contact our doctors promptly. In case of an emergency, please seek immediate care at a local hospital.

If your recovery goes well without any noticeable discomfort or abnormal conditions, regular follow-up is usually not required. However, if you develop symptoms such as persistent high fever (temperature >38.5°C), sudden chest tightness, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, please have a chest X-ray or CT scan locally and consult a thoracic surgeon or our doctor for further guidance.

Regarding bar removal, for patients with implanted MatrixRIB bars, removal is not necessary. For those with Nuss or Park bars, the bars are usually removed 2–3 years after surgery. Please consult your surgeon for the specific timing.

Yes. Upon discharge, we will provide a discharge summary and a medical certificate. If airport security raises any concerns, presenting these medical documents will facilitate your passage. 

In most cases, taking a flight does not cause discomfort, you can travel with confidence.

Optimal nutrition is crucial for healing. We recommend the following dietary plan, tailored to your recovery phase:

Initial Phase (during bed rest): Choose easily digestible semi-liquid foods, such as porridge, juice, or well-cooked noodles.

Recovery Phase (once able to get out of bed): Gradually resume a normal, balanced diet with an emphasis on high-quality protein sources such as fish, chicken, and eggs. Make sure to eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily to supplement vitamins and electrolytes.

Precautions: Strictly avoid spicy and greasy foods, and be cautious with foods that may trigger allergies, such as seafood or mangoes.