Chest Wall Service

It can be alarming when there’s something seriously wrong in your chest. You may have trouble breathing or things just don’t feel — or even look — right. That’s when you need expert help to find out what’s really going on.

The problem may very well be related to your chest wall — the protective structure surrounding organs and blood vessels in your upper body. Issues affecting this area range from cosmetic concerns to life-threatening breathing difficulties. At Cleveland Clinic London, you have access to internationally renowned consultants who deliver the highest level of care.

We’re one of the few services in the U.K. delivering comprehensive care for chest wall dysfunction.

Highlights include:

• Expertise: You’ll receive services from some of the U.K.’s most highly regarded thoracic (lung and airway) surgeons. Our experts have introduced ground-breaking surgical techniques to the world, including innovative methods for slipping rib syndrome. They perform surgery in leading-edge operating theatres, so you receive safe, precise care.
• Chest wall deformity clinic: Our outpatient clinic delivers focused care for issues such as pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. Consultants perform comprehensive evaluations and provide personalised recommendations that may include surgical or nonsurgical options. If additional testing is necessary, it’s available on-site the same day.
• Slipping rib syndrome care: Our programme is one of the only places in the region with expertise in slipping rib syndrome. Patients from across Europe trust us for advanced treatments and excellent outcomes.
• Coordination: We work closely with additional consultants as needed. If you’ve fractured your ribs and other bones, orthopaedic surgeons participate in your treatment. In some cases, thoracic surgeons and orthopaedists operate during the same procedure to stabilise broken bones.

We excel in treating common and complex forms of chest wall dysfunction, including:

• Pectus carinatum.
• Pectus excavatum.
• Broken (fractured) ribs and other forms of trauma.
• Chest wall tumours, including noncancerous and cancerous growths.
• Costochondritis.
• Slipping rib syndrome.
• Thoracic outlet syndrome.

Chest Wall Dysfunction Services

Thoracic surgery for chest wall dysfunction at Cleveland Clinic London includes:

• Chest wall tumour resection: We frequently use robotic thoracic surgery to remove tumours. Surgeons use robotic technology to guide tiny instruments to precisely the right spot. This technique is gentler on your body and not widely available in the U.K.
• Nuss procedure: In this pectus excavatum treatment, surgeons place a temporary titanium bar in the chest cavity to correct a sunken breastbone. We use small incisions and a special camera to guide placement of the bar, which stays in place for up to four years.
• Ravitch procedure: This open procedure uses larger incisions and treats pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. Thoracic surgeons remove cartilage and straighten the breastbone. In some cases, we implant a small, removable metal device to hold the new structure in place while you heal.
• Rib fracture repair: You may need a procedure when there’s a severe fracture. Surgeons use plates and screws to secure ribs in the proper position. For damage to smaller structures, we may use pins and wire.
• Slipping rib syndrome treatment: If medical therapies aren’t successful, surgeons use a variety of techniques to keep the lower ribs in place. You may need a plate and screws or a strategically placed permanent suture.

Quick Access to Chest Wall Dysfunction Care

We see new patients promptly, especially when there’s trauma. Consultants can operate on patients with broken ribs the same day, if necessary. For less urgent cases, we arrange surgery shortly after the initial evaluation. Get started by calling +44 20 3423 7500.

Thoracic Surgery Self-Pay Services

We make it easier to access expert care in the U.K. Read more about payment information, including options for self-pay and private medical insurance. If you’re coming to us from another country, learn more about coordination available through Global Patient Services.