Thoracoscopic sternal elevation by a steel bar inserted for the correction of pectus excavatum in children / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate effects of thoracoscopic sternal elevation by using a steel bar(Nuss procedure) in the treatment of pectus excavatum in children.Methods Under the assistance of thoracoscopy,a substernal tunnel was created using a blunt dissector via a right thoracic incision.Then a steel bar was inserted under the sternum.After the bar was placed in position,it was turned over to elevate the deformed sternum and the anterior chest wall.Results The operation was completed successfully in all the 11 cases.The operating time ranged 50~85 min(mean, 67 min).The intraoperative blood loss ranged 5~20 ml(mean,10 ml).The surgical outcomes were classified as "excellent" in 9 cases,"good" in 1 case,and "fair" in 1.Follow-up observations for 2~15 months(mean,6.4 months) in 8 cases showed satisfactory appearance.Conclusions Thoracoscopic Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum in children is a minimally invasive technique with limited surgical trauma,minimal blood loss,simple performance,rapid recovery,and good cosmetic results,being worthy of recommendation.