Call us today
Help Desk Help Desk

Kingsbridge Help & Support

A credit or debit card is necessary to secure your booking. The card will be saved as your default payment method. You'll receive notifications regarding any outstanding balances. For details on the information we collect and process, while providing your healthcare, please refer to our privacy policy. By using this service, you consent to our privacy policy.

Continue to Kingsbridge Booking

Kingsbridge Help & Support

For enquires on post operative support, cancellations, test results and payment

Click for HELP

Select Location

Call Us Today

Kingsbridge Hospital

UK 028 90 667 878  ROI 048 90 667 878 

Sligo Hospital

ROI 071 916 2649 

Cross Border Health Team

ROI 048 9068 8858 

Pectus Repair Clinic

    • Only private Pectus Repair Clinic of its type in Ireland 
    • Consultations & treatment with leading Consultant Thoracic Surgeons
    • Outstanding pre and post care treatment delivered by a dedicated team
    • Cutting edge solutions. Modern, state-of-the-art facilities

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) 

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

  • 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.
  • It is usually present since very early years but becomes more apparent as young people grow, but also become more self-conscious.

Further Information

If you would like to book an appointment or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact our Patient Booking Team using either option below

Treatment Locations

Kingsbridge Private Hospital

811-815 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7GX

Healthcare Professionals & Consultants

Mr Niall McGonigle

Thoracic Consultant

Mr Rory Beattie

Consultant Thoracic Surgeon

Patient Journey

Find out what your journey will be from diagnosis to treatment

Self Funded Journey

Kingsbridge Help & Support

A credit or debit card is necessary to secure your booking. The card will be saved as your default payment method. You'll receive notifications regarding any outstanding balances. For details on the information we collect and process, while providing your healthcare, please refer to our privacy policy. By using this service, you consent to our privacy policy.

Continue to Kingsbridge Booking

Patient Testimonials