Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum repair: critical appraisal of the evidence

Pectus excavatum and scoliosis: a review about the patient's surgical management

Although Nuss procedure is performed with satisfactory results, there has been a controversy in the literature regarding the effect of a Nuss procedure on the spine. This review article aims to perform an updated overview of the literature about the effect of pectus excavatum correction at the spine and the management of patients with both pectus excavatum and scoliosis. Although acquired scoliosis has been rarely reported after a Nuss procedure, studies show that the Nuss procedure can have a beneficial effect in mild coexisting scoliosis especially when it is performed during the adolescence. The management of cases presented with both pectus excavatum and scoliosis depends on the severity of pre-operative scoliosis and demands detailed evaluation of the spine pre and postoperatively. In the rare condition of post-operative scoliosis following a Nuss procedure, the removal of the metallic bar and conservative measures may have satisfactory results on the spine.

The effect of thoracoscopy upon the repair of pectus excavatum

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The Nuss procedure is the most commonly performed operation to correct pectus excavatum (PE). Thoracoscopic assistance has been anecdotally noted to improve the safety of this operative approach. This study aimed to compare complications and clinical outcomes before and after the introduction of thoracoscopy in a single-center.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent the Nuss procedure at The Royal Children's Hospital over an 11-year period (2005-2015), collecting data on all intra-operative and post-operative outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 217 Nuss procedures were performed (122 non-thoracoscopic pectus repairs, 95 thoracoscopic pectus repairs). Median patient age was 14.9years, with the majority male (185/217, 84.3%). Patient demographics (age, gender, defect severity) and postoperative recovery were comparable between the two groups. Major complications included cardiac arrest requiring internal cardiac massage, hemothorax, pneumothorax, empyema, bar displacement and infection. The overall major complication rate was low (19/217, 8.8%); however, there was a significant reduction in major complications in the thoracoscopic pectus repair group (13.1% versus 3.2%, p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopic vision during the Nuss procedure reduces the risk of major complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Treatment study - Level III (Retrospective comparative study).

Experience with the Nuss technique for the treatment of Pectus Excavatum in Spanish Thoracic Surgery Departments

INTRODUCTION

Although the Nuss technique revolutionized the surgical treatment of pectus excavatum, its use has not become widespread in our country. The aim of this study was to analyze the current use of this technique in a sample of Thoracic Surgery Departments in Spain.

METHODS

Observational rectrospective multicentric study analyzing the main epidemiological aspects and clinical results of ten years experience using the Nuss technique.

RESULTS

Between 2001 and 2010 a total of 149 patients were operated on (mean age 21.2 years), 74% male. Initial aesthetic results were excellent or good in 93.2%, mild in 4.1% and bad in 2.7%. After initial surgery there were complications in 45 patients (30.6%). The most frequent were wound seroma, bar displacement, stabilizer break, pneumothorax, haemothorax, wound infection, pneumonia, pericarditis and cardiac tamponade that required urgent bar removal. Postoperative pain appeared in all patients. In 3 cases (2%) it was so intense that it required bar removal. After a mean follow-up of 39.2 months, bar removal had been performed in 72 patients (49%), being difficult in 5 cases (7%). After a 1.6 year follow-up period good results persisted in 145 patients (98.7%).

CONCLUSION

Nuss technique in adults has had good results in Spanish Thoracic Surgery Departments, however its use has not been generalized. The risk of complications must be taken into account and its indication must be properly evaluated. The possibility of previous conservative treatment is being analyzed in several departments at present.