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OBJECTIVE: The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional “Ravitch-type” operation for pectus excavatum. This relatively new procedure has gained enough ground among thoracic surgeons to recommend it. We conducted this study to evaluate our experience.
METHODS: With the largest number of patients treated using this procedure (65 patients who underwent pectus excavatum minimally invasive repair between October 2007 and December 2013), our center is the biggest in Romania. This study brings information about demographics, operative course, complication and patients’ degree of satisfaction.
RESULTS: With an average of 58 minutes per intervention, minimal blood loss and 3.8 days of postoperative hospitalization time, we consider this approach to pectus excavatum more suitable than any other surgical intervention aiming to correct this deformation (Ravitch-type procedure, silicone implants, etc.). We also analyze the pre- and postoperative respiratory and cardiac function for these patients. Last, but not least, we will analyze the psychological aspect of this deformation.
CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive repair for pectus excavatum can be performed with minimal blood loss and reduced operative time. The quality of repair, the absence of postoperative symptoms, patients’ satisfaction degree and cosmetic appearance encourage us to recommend this procedure for most of the patients with pectus excavatum.