South Africa's Leading Pectus Specialist
Expert Pectus
Excavatum
& Carinatum Surgery
in Africa
Cardiothoracic surgery that improves chest shape, breathing, and heart function, performed by South Africa’s foremost specialist, Dr Ivan Schewitz.
Heart Function
Presentations
Nationwide
MEET THE EXPERT
Meet Dr Ivan Schewitz
A Pioneer in Cardiothoracic Surgery
Dr Ivan Schewitz is South Africa’s foremost specialist in Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum correction surgery, chest wall deformities that affect breathing, heart function, and quality of life in children and adults.
With memberships spanning international thoracic and cardiothoracic societies, and over 40 presentations throughout his career, 10 explicitly related to Pectus deformity correction, Dr Schewitz brings world-class expertise to patients across Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and now Africa and as well as Israel.
- General Thoracic Club USA
- European Thoracic Society
- SA Thoracic Society Council
- Chestwall International
Videos
Video Testimonials
Patient Stories
What Our Patients Say
Get Started Today
Book Your Consultation with Dr Schewitz
Appointments available across three hospital locations in South Africa.
Waterfall City Hospital, Midrand
Chris Barnard Memorial, Cape Town
Umhlanga Hospital, Durban
Online consultations
Diagnosis & Treatment
Conditions & Procedures
CONDITION
Pectus Excavatum
A chest wall deformity in which the breastbone is pushed inward, creating a sunken or caved-in chest. It can restrict lung capacity and place pressure on the heart, affecting both physical ability and self-confidence.
CONDITION
Pectus Carinatum
Also called pigeon chest, Pectus Carinatum occurs when the breastbone protrudes outward due to abnormal cartilage growth. It is treatable both surgically and through external bracing in younger patients.
Procedure
The Nuss Procedure
A minimally invasive technique for correcting severe Pectus Excavatum in children. A curved steel bar is inserted beneath the sternum to reshape the chest wall, without the need for bone or cartilage removal.
Procedure
Reverse Nuss Procedure
Developed by Dr Schewitz, the Abraham or Reverse-Nuss procedure corrects severe Pectus Carinatum (pigeon chest) using a surgical approach that pushes the protruding breastbone back into a natural position.
Procedure
Ravitch Procedure
An open surgical technique used for older patients with complex Pectus Excavatum cases. While less common today, it remains an important option where minimally invasive approaches are not suitable.
Procedure
External Bracing
For growing children with Pectus Carinatum, a lightweight external brace applies gentle pressure to the chest over time, often achieving excellent results without surgery. The preferred first-line option for young patients.
LATEST NEWS
Featured Articles & Reports
Is it Just Cosmetic? Understanding the Physical Impact of Pectus on Your Child
‘Loneliest road I’ve walked’ – KZN mom’s sunken chest put pressure on her lungs and heart
