ObjectiveTo summarize the experience of surgical treatment of asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia (Jeune syndrome).MethodsA total of 15 patients with asphyxiating thoracic dysplasia from August 2018 to April 2020 in our hospital were retrospectively included. There were 7 males and 8 females, aged 1-25 (8.87±6.71) years. Special steel bars were used to correct the growth direction of the rib and costal cartilage. Meanwhile, the concave and convex deformities of the chest wall on both sides were corrected to increase the chest volume and correct the thoracic deformity.ResultsThe contour appearance of the chest wall of all patients changed after the operation. The shape was close to normal, and the symptoms of hypoxia were improved. The operation time was 147.73±59.78 min, intraoperative bleeding volume was 105.67±91.90 mL, ICU stay time was 14.20±13.54 d and hospital stay time was 26.00±17.87 d. Eleven patients were directly extubated after the operation, 4 patients underwent tracheotomy and received assisted respiration, and the assisted respiration time was 19, 13, 22 and 12 days, respectively. The postoperative chest circumference was significantly increased, and the blood oxygen saturation was significantly improved. There were 5 patients with cardiac insufficiency, and 3 of them were improved by cardiotonic therapy, 2 of them died of heart failure on the 2nd and 31st day after the operation, respectively. Abdominal distention occurred in 10 patients after operation, and 5 of them were obstinate and eliminated by comprehensive treatment. All patients were followed up. The appearance of thorax was improved obviously and there was no sign of compression in lungs. One 13-year-old patient developed respiratory discomfort 3 months after the operation, and the symptoms were relieved after self-administration of oxygen. A 25-year-old patient developed cardiac insufficiency half a month after the discharge, and the symptoms disappeared after cardiotonic treatment. Four patients took out the steel bars in 13, 13, 15 and 17 months after the operation, respectively. The appearance of thorax remained well after the operation. The imaging examination showed that the position of bone structure was normal, the lung field was clear, and there was no sign of chronic inflammation.ConclusionThis technique is a safe and simple operation method. It can not only eliminate the deformity of chest wall, but also increase the volume of chest obviously. However, the long-term effect needs to be further evaluated.