Anderson's Chest Surgery

Background:  On April 17 2010, Anderson was admitted with to Levine Children's Hospital with life threatening reaction to antibiotics and developed Steven Johnson's Syndrome.  He remained in isolation  for a month and was not expected to live.   He did survive but was left stunted growth, limited lung function, and multiple other health issues.   He also developed Pectus Excavatum, also known as sunken or funnel chest.  This is a chest wall malformation in which several ribs and the sternum grow abnormally, producing a concave or caved-in appearance of the anterior chest wall and sternum.   Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast heart rate (tachycardia), and passing out periodically.   There is also the psychological effects of the embarrassment of looking different than other young men.  Anderson is no longer willing and able to be active and hang with peers due to his self esteem issues as well as the inability to keep up physically and to be able to breath adequately to participate.  This is affecting his heart and lung function which is already limited due to his prior near death experience.  

Picture showing condition (not Anderson in photo)


Current Issue:   Anderson had surgery on July 17 to correct the Pectus Excavatum using a Nuss Surgery which places a concave stainless steel bar through two incisions in the side of the chest and is then slipped under the sternum.  A third, smaller incision is made to insert a thoracoscope (small camera) used to help guide the bar.  The bar is then flipped, and the sternum pops out. To support the bar and keep it in place, a metal plate called a stabilizer may be inserted with the bar on one side of the torso. PDS sutures may also be used in addition to the stabilizer. The stabilizer fits around the bar and into the ribcage. The bar and stabilizer are secured with sutures that dissolve in about six months.   The bar itself remains for several years and then must be surgically removed.  Anderson will remain in the hospital for at least a week for this current surgery as the post-operative pain control can be quite challenging and is considered one of the more difficult recoveries of any operations for children.  His at home recovery after this will also take several months to fully recover.  


Need:   The need for funding occurs due to Anderson's parents are still paying for his significant medical bills incurred during his stay in the hospital in 2010.  The out of pocket costs for this current surgery also will be quite significant causing further financial distress.  Any donations would be greatly appreciated.