Mr Niall McGonigle
Pectus Repair Clinic
The Pectus Repair Clinic at Kingsbridge Private Hospital is the only private clinic of its type in either Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland. (Commencing June 2021)
Steps to get started
Our team will support you through every stage, from your first enquiry to your recovery.
Using Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance, check with your provider to see what’s covered. We’re happy to help with any paperwork and can work directly with many insurance companies to make the process smoother for you.
Paying for Treatment Yourself
If you’re paying for treatment yourself, we’ll give you clear information about costs and help you plan your care. You’ll know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.
Costs
Service costs vary depending on individual needs, but our team is here to guide you. Get in touch to confirm fees and receive a clear, personalised breakdown before making any appointments.
Book an Appointment
You can book an appointment online, call our friendly team, or ask your GP for a referral.
We’re here to answer your questions, talk you through your options, and help you feel confident about your treatment.
Our Locations
Each site is equipped with modern facilities and experienced teams who will look after you throughout your treatment and recovery.
Our hospitals are easy to reach and offer a calm, comfortable environment to support your care. Wherever you decide to go, you’ll receive the same high standard of personalised treatment.
What is Pectus Deformity?
Pectus deformity is a congenital abnormality of the chest wall that presents either with a protrusion (pigeon chest) or sunken chest.
- Pectus Carinatum – Protruding chest
- Pectus Excavatum – Funnel chest
The Pectus Clinic is led by Mr Niall McGonigle MB BCh MD FRCSI (C-Th) Consultant Thoracic Surgeon (BHSCT). Niall suffered from the condition himself and is, therefore, able to offer a unique insight to the issues experienced by other suffers. The clinic offers the latest surgical and non-surgical treatments for pectus deformity. We aim to help you regardless of the type of deformity.
Currently, teenagers and young adults with pectus deformity may receive an NHS consultation. However, as the NHS and NICE consider this to be a cosmetic treatment patients will be added to a waiting list with little prospect of getting surgery within the NHS.
Pectus Repair Braces
Over many years braces have been developed for this condition. These braces are compressive and ‘remodel’ the chest wall. Recent studies assessing the validity of braces have reported excellent outcomes with bracing and avoiding surgery.
What is Pectus Repair Brace?
The brace corrects the chest deformity by applying sustained pressure to the chest wall and specifically the soft cartilage joints between the breastbone and ribs (the origin of the pectus deformity) holding them in position and over time allowing re-modelling of the chest for a permanent correction and repairing the appearance of the chest.
What type of pectus repair brace is used?
The braces are CE approved with the clinic offering both the FMF™ Dynamic Compression Brace and The Strawberry Compression Brace™
Who is suitable for this treatment?
Teenagers and young adults from 12 years to 20 years.
What is the Patient Pathway for this treatment?
- Initial OPD and assessment (including photos). Full discussion on the benefits of surgical and non-surgical management and an informed decision on the best treatment to suit you or your child.
- Outpatient MRI scan Outpatients Department (OPD) – Mould and fit brace if choosing a Strawberry Compression Brace.
- If choosing a FMF™ Dynamic Compression Brace then measurements will be taken at this stage to allow production of your bespoke brace (lead time 8-12 weeks)
- Fit FMF™ Dynamic Compression Brace
- OPD: 4 – 5 weeks after inital fitting of the brace
- Regular review at the clinic or video conference to assess progress
While most patients achieve good results through use of a brace, where the brace treatment has failed to provide the desired results, surgery may be required, A similar programme is also available for pectus excavatum (sunk in chest) through the use of a suction cup.
How long does it take to apply the chest brace?
A Brace is generally fitted within a 45-minute OPD consultation.
How long is treatment?
Treatment is generally complete in 9-12 months.
What is Pectus Excavatum Repair Surgery?
Surgery takes about 2hrs and involves a horizontal cut across the middle of the chest. The affected costal cartilages are removed and the breastbone reset. In-hospital recovery is generally 5-6 days. Contact sports must be avoided for 3-6 months. The surgery is similar for both Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum.
Facts about Pectus Excavatum
It is usually present since very early years but becomes more apparent as young people grow, but also become more self-conscious.
Pectus excavatum is the most common chest wall problem in children occurring in about 1:1000
Pectus Carinatum in occurs in about 1:1500 people
Pectusabnormality occurs mostly during the early teenage years in times of rapid growth, and mostly in boys.
Meet Our Consultants
Our consultants are specialists with years of experience. From your first consultation through to your recovery, you’ll be under the care of experts who are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results.