Wolverhampton teenager undergoes life-changing surgery after NHS battle

A teenager whose ribcage was crushing his heart and lungs underwent life-changing corrective surgery which is no longer widely available on the NHS.

Louis Johnson from Wolverhampton suffers from pectus excavatum – also known as sunken chest syndrome – a rare condition in which the sternum sinks into the chest.

The 17-year-old had previously been told it was a cosmetic problem and that he would have to live with it, even though it significantly affected his ability to breathe.

Louis has now undergone the operation at one of only two hospitals in England to carry it out. He said it would change his life.

The teenager, who was awarded a British Empire Medal in January for raising around £80,000 for charity, said of his condition: “It affected me hugely. The exercise was virtually impossible .

“I could do small pieces, but after that I would be absolutely exhausted and out of breath.”

The condition distorted the shape of his heart and prevented his lungs from expanding during exercise, he said.

Louis' mother, Teresa Johnson, said doctors tried to ignore her concerns about her son's health.

“[Doctors said] basically I was an overprotective mother, there was nothing wrong, it's just cosmetic, he has to live with it,” Ms Johnson said.

“And I got to a point where no one listened to me at all, but I kept fighting.”

Ms Johnson said her son's breathing was much better four weeks after the operation.

“It allowed him to get his life back. Before, it was difficult, he couldn't do what his friends do.”

Today, the 17-year-old is on the road to recovery and looking forward to the future.

“Before, it was limiting. I want to become a police officer and this could have jeopardized that.”

Louis underwent the operation, known as the Nuss procedure, four weeks ago.

The operation was carried out by thoracic surgeon Joel Dunning at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough.

This involved inserting a metal bar into the 17-year-old's chest, pushing the sternum forward and relieving pressure on his heart and lungs.

Surgery is not widely available on the NHS in England, only for patients with severe physiological symptoms.

A private operation now costs between £16,000 and £25,000, according to Dr Dunning.

Cardiology experts at the hospital, including Dr Dunning, are currently carrying out a £2million research trial to compare the benefits of surgery to no treatment, in the hope that it will lead to the operation be placed back on the NHS.

Ms Johnson said: “We just want to thank Joel for fighting for us and allowing Louis to have the life he deserves, we can't thank him enough.”