Can My Prominent Xiphoid Process Be Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Hello,I was obese for most of my life. In the last 2 years I have lost over 90lbs and am just a few pounds away from my goal weight. Being obese all those years pushed against my xiphoid process and now that the weight has been lost it protrudes a lot, sticking out further than my chest and stomach. I believe the procedure I need is called a Xiphoidectomy.

A: Thank you for sending your pictures. That is an impressive xiphoid prominence, one of the most impressive I have seen. It can be treated by removal (xiphoidectomy) or xiphoid infracture (xiphoid osteotomy). In most cases the xiphoidectomy is done. In more uncommon cases due to an adherent attachment of the diaphragm and ossification of the cartilage an infracturing may be performed with plate fixation.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon