Surgical Correction of Severe Pectus Carinatum Using the Wenlin and Wung procedure at a Tertiary Care Center: First case report from Pakistan

Pectus Carinatum is a chest wall abnormality in which the sternum and ribs protrude outward during physiological maturation due to chondral overgrowth, usually presenting with anterior chest wall protrusion and shortness of breath, which can impact self-esteem, body image, and confidence. We report the case of a 14-year-old boy with a four-year history of gradually increasing anterior chest wall protrusion and shortness of breath on physical activity. Physical Examination revealed a rigid, asymmetric, prominent middle and lower sternum with associated adjacent ribs protrusion. Imaging demonstrated increased anteroposterior diameter and anterior angulation of the sternum. Cardiopulmonary evaluation was unremarkable. The patient underwent correction using a combination of the Wenlin and Wung procedure, resulting in immediate and satisfactory cosmetic and functional outcomes. The Wenlin technique is a simple, minimally invasive procedure usually sufficient for mild to moderate deformities, but for severe cases, the addition of the Wung procedure provides enhanced stabilization and optimal chest wall contour. This combined approach is safe and effective, even in resource-limiting tertiary care hospitals, and should be added to achieve optimal correction.