Invasive Repair Of Pectus Excavatum Research Articles

Biocompatible Cable Ties Are an Alternative to Metal Stabilizers for Bar Securement During Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Repair.

Background: Bar stabilization during minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair (MIRPE) is critical to avoid dislodgement. Multiple techniques are described including stabilizers, wires, and sutures. This retrospective study compared bar movement and outcomes between existing techniques and ZipFix™, a biocompatible cable tie. Methods: Patients ≤20 years of age who underwent MIRPE with ZipFix between January 2021 and September 2022 were compared with historical controls who underwent repair by same surgeons between January 2018 and December 2020 using stabilizers or polydioxanone suture (PDS). Demographics, clinical details, and outcomes were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests. Results: Of the 116 patients who underwent repair, 45 had bars secured with ZipFix (39%) and 71 (61%) were historical controls (35 stabilizer, 36 PDS). Median (interquartile range) age was 15 (14-16) years and Haller index was 3.9 (3.6-4.5). Nine (8%) patients required two bars. Haller index and use of second bar were comparable between stabilization techniques (P > .05). In total, 49 patients (40%) reported any pain at 1 month and this was similar between stabilization techniques (P = .45). Median bar movement was greater for bars secured with PDS than with ZipFix or stabilizers at 1 month (5.5 versus 2.3 versus 3.3°, P = .010) and last follow-up (6.5 versus 2.1 versus 3.6°, P < .001). One patient whose bar was secured with PDS required revision for dislodgement. Conclusion: Pectus bar stabilization with ZipFix is a safe alternative to metal stabilizers and both techniques are superior to suture stabilization alone. The use of ZipFix may be preferred given its lower cost and ease of use.

The use of a vacuum bell in minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum

BACKGROUND: Along with the widespread use of D. Nuss surgery, the number of complications and deaths has increased. In order to increase the safety of the procedure, various methods of sternal elevation are used. One of these methods is the use of a vacuum bell. This method allows you to perform the elevation of the sternum by creating a negative pressure. AIM: This article describes our experience of intraoperative and preoperative use of a vacuum bell when performing thoracoplasty according to Nass in our own modification METHODS: The experience of treating 15 patients aged 8 to 17 years (average age 15.0±2.6 years) operated by the D. Nuss method using vacuum bell is considered. Indications for intraoperative elevation of the sternum were cases of deep pectus excavatum (PE) (Haller index more than 4.5), a variant of the “Grand Canyon" deformation and PE after sternotomy. Also, the vacuum bell was used as a preoperative preparation. RESULTS: In patients who used a vacuum bell before surgery as preparation, the depth of deformation significantly decreased and at the time of surgery, the average depth of deformation was 6.7±4.0 mm, versus 28.0±6.0 mm before treatment. There was also a decrease in pain syndrome in the postoperative period, a reduction in the use of extended epidural anaesthesia and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. With the intraoperative use of a vacuum bell in patients with PE after sternotomy, the elevation of the sternum was confirmed by thoracoscopy. No intra- and postoperative complications were observed in 14 (93%) patients who used a vacuum bell during thoracoplasty by Nass. In one case, a patient who had previously undergone a sternotomy had massive bleeding as a result of a heart injury. CONCLUSION: The use of a vacuum bell during thoracoplasty by Nass has proven to be a safe, non-invasive and effective method of sternum elevation, both intraoperatively and as a preoperative preparation.

Randomized comparison of oblique and perpendicular stabilizers for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.

Bar dislocation is one of the most feared complications of the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. Prospective randomized parallel-group clinical trial intending to assess whether oblique stabilizers can reduce bar displacement in comparison with regular stabilizers used in minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. Additionally, we evaluated pain, quality of life and other postoperative complications. Participants were randomly assigned to surgery with perpendicular (n = 16) or oblique stabilizers (n = 14) between October 2017 and September 2018 and followed for 3 years. Bar displacements were evaluated with the bar displacement index. Pain scores were evaluated through visual analogue scale and quality of life through the Pectus Excavatum Evaluation Questionnaire. Control group average displacement index was 17.7 (±26.7) and intervention group average displacement index was 8.2 (±10.9). There was 1 reoperation in each group that required correction with 2 bars. Bar displacement was similar among groups (P = 0.12). No other complications were recorded. There was no statistically significant difference on pain score. There was a significant difference between pre- and postoperative composite scores of the participants' body image domain and psycho-social aspects in both groups. The difference between the pre- and postoperative participants' perception of physical difficulties was greater and statistically significant in the intervention group. There was no statistical difference in the use of perpendicular or oblique stabilizers, but the availability of different models of stabilizers during the study suggested that this can be advantageous. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03087734.

Opioid Prescriptions at Discharge After Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum Are Reduced With Cryoablation

BackgroundThe minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is associated with significant postoperative pain and opioid use. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of intercostal nerve cryoablation (Cryo) on inpatient and post-hospital opioid prescription practices following MIPRE. MethodsA retrospective review at a single pediatric center was conducted of patients ≤21 years old who underwent MIRPE. Oral morphine equivalents (OME) of inpatient and discharge opioids were compared between Cryo and no-Cryo cohorts. Results579 patients were identified (82.8% male, mean age 15.4 ± 2.0 years). Cryo was performed in 73.5% of patients. The total inpatient OME use was less in the Cryo group (0.89 ± 0.68 vs. 1.6 ± 0.5 OME/kg/day; p < 0.001). Patients who underwent Cryo were prescribed significantly less OME at discharge compared to the no-Cryo group (3.9 ± 1.7 vs. 10.0 ± 4.1 OME mg/kg, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients who required an opioid prescription refill (Cryo 12.4% vs. no-Cryo 11.5%, p = 0.884) or were readmitted (Cryo 5.3% vs. no-Cryo 4.6%, p = 0.833). ConclusionPatients who underwent cryoablation during MIRPE were prescribed significantly less opioid at the time of discharge without increasing the need for opioid refills or hospital readmissions. Level of EvidenceTreatment study; Level III evidence.

Intercostal nerve cryoablation versus thoracic epidural analgesia for minimal invasive Nuss repair of pectus excavatum: a protocol for a randomised clinical trial (ICE trial)

IntroductionEpidural analgesia is currently considered the gold standard in postoperative pain management for the minimally invasive Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum. Alternative analgesic strategies (eg, patient-controlled analgesia and paravertebral nerve...

Pectus Excavatum: A review of current treatment possibilities

Anterior chest wall depression known as Pectus excavatum (PE) , is currently the most common congenital chest wall deformation, with incidence estimated at 1/400 births, five times more frequently in boys than girls (5:1 ratio in occurrence). 1 Etiology of this deformity is formed by several hypothesis, including overgrowth of the ribs, developmental failure of the bony thorax or weakness and abnormal flexibility of the sternum. While theoretical concepts of its origin may differ, the common ground is the characteristics of said deformation: a posterior depression of the sternum and the lower costal cartilages. 2Surgical treatment options were described since 1949 with Ravitch procedure and since then a number of new ones has been developed.&#x0D; For many years Ravitch and Nuss procedures were the main way to treat pectus excavatum, with a growing bias towards latter one. Since the Nuss procedure characterizes with less invasive approach and fever overall complications 3 its popularity outgrew Ravitch procedure and currently is described as MIRPE – Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Repair. 4 However afterward then many new techniques were developed, focusing on reducing overall procedure risks, improving patient safety and quality of life and including new technical possibilities.&#x0D; The aim of this study was to gather and evaluate current literature to highlight new treatment options.

Complication rates rise with age and Haller index in minimally invasive correction of pectus excavatum: A high-volume, single-center retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesThe study objectives were to describe the compounded complication rate of minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum, identify predisposing risk factors, and evaluate the optimal timing of correction. Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum is the standard treatment for pectus excavatum and consists of 2 invasive procedures, for example, correction with bar insertion followed by bar removal after 2 to 3 years. MethodsA retrospective cohort study identifying children, adolescents, and adults of both genders corrected for pectus excavatum with minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum between 2001 and 2022. Information on complications related to bar insertion and removal procedures for each individual patient was compiled into a compounded complication rate. Complication severities were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. ResultsA total of 2013 patients were corrected by minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum with a median age (interquartile range) for correction of 16.6 (5) years. Overall compounded complication rate occurred at a frequency of 16.4%, of which 9.3% required invasive reinterventions (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥IIIa). The complication rate related to bar insertion was 2.6-fold higher compared with bar removal (11.8% vs 4.5%, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05; P < .001), precorrection Haller Index (adjusted odds ratio, 1.10; P < .033), and early-phase institutional experience (adjusted odds ratio, 1.59; P < .002) as independent predisposing risk factors. The optimal age of correction was 12 years, and the compounded complication rate correlated exponentially with age with a doubling time of 7.2 years. Complications increased 2.2-fold when the Haller index increased to 5 or more units. ConclusionsMinimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum is associated with a high compounded complication rate that increases exponentially with age and high Haller Index. Consequently, we recommend repair during late childhood and early adolescence, and emphasize the importance of informing patients and relatives about the significant risks of adult correction as well as the need of 2 consecutive procedures taking the complication profile into account before planning surgery.

Use of Transesophageal Echocardiography for Enhanced Safety During Bar Removal Procedures After Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum.

Background: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum involves placement of retrosternal support (Nuss) bars. Hardware removal has been rarely associated with life-threatening hemorrhage from the heart, aorta, internal mammary arteries, and/or lung. There is no accepted standard intraoperative monitoring technique used during removal. We hypothesized that the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during Nuss bar removal would enhance safety of the procedure and be cost-effective. Methods: IRB-approved retrospective review of patients who underwent Nuss bar removal with intraoperative TEE monitoring over a 4-year period, from March 2013 to May 2017, was completed. Bar removal procedures were performed supine, under general anesthesia. TEE images were monitored and any distortion of the cardiac silhouette, new pericardial effusion, and/or cardiac arrhythmias would be considered evidence of possible bar adherence, triggering possible conversion to sternotomy or thoracotomy. Results: In total, 87 consecutive patients, mean age of 20 years, were identified. Bars had been in place for a mean of 30 months. Average procedure time was 67 minutes. No patients experienced arrhythmias, cardiac injury, or significant hemorrhage during removal. TEE gave excellent visualization of the cardiac silhouette and pericardium in all cases. No patient required insertion of an arterial line, a postoperative chest X-ray, or overnight hospitalization. Patients were discharged from the recovery room an average of 89 minutes postprocedure. Conclusion: TEE offers a minimally invasive safe way to visualize the pericardium and its contents during Nuss bar removal. Significant cardiac/mediastinal injuries should be immediately visible. The use of TEE is cost-effective and allows safe discharge the day of surgery.

Quality of life with minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is a popular method for surgical correction of PE, and its impact on quality of life is a growing area of interest. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of MIRPE on the quality of life of patients. This study was registered with PROSPERO under reference number CRD42020222061. A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Scopus was conducted from the date of inception till November 23, 2020. We included studies which administered one or more questionnaires on patients up to 60 years old, parents or both, to assess the quality of life before and after MIRPE. Studies not written in English, abstracts, articles without primary data, reviews and studies which combined data on PE and other deformities were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to obtain mean differences for key themes of quality of life before and after MIRPE. Responses from the same questionnaires, as well as common themes across different questionnaires, were compared. Of the 20 studies identified for systematic review, 7 studies that reported the responses of 478 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Patients who underwent MIRPE experienced an increased self-esteem [standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95 to 1.81, P<0.00001] and a smaller degree of chest interference with their social activities (SMD: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.08, P<0.00001). These findings were consistent even after the implanted bar was removed. MIRPE may be associated with a better quality of life for patients with PE as self-esteem and extent of chest interference with social activities are improved after the procedure. The key limitations of this study are the lack of high-quality evidence due to paucity of randomized trials, and the significant heterogeneity in reported outcomes due to variations in the questionnaires and timepoints of administration.

Preoperative Metal Allergy Testing for Pectus Excavatum Repair Does Not Effectively Identify Patients Who Develop Metal bar Allergy

BackgroundMetal allergy following placement of a metal pectus bar for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is a rare complication with potentially significant morbidity. There is no consensus regarding preoperative metal allergy testing (MAT). This study aims to assess incidence of metal allergy and titanium bar use in tested and untested patients and trends in MAT with different approaches to MAT. MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent MIRPE from July 2009 to June 2022 at a single institution. During this time, MAT was performed routinely (RT; routine testing) and selectively (ST; selective testing). ResultsThe cohort included 741 patients for analysis. Metal bar allergy was documented in 1.3 % of all patients; the incidence was 1.3 % in patients with MAT and 1.4 % without MAT. The incidence of bar allergy was 1.1 % in the RT group and 1.6 % in the ST group. In the RT group, bar allergy occurred in 1.4 % (3/216) of patients with a negative MAT. In the ST group, bar allergy occurred in 1.2 % (2/164) of patients with a negative MAT and in 1.9 % (3/162) of untested patients with a stainless-steel bar. Titanium bar use was not significantly different between the RT and ST groups (18.3 % vs 16.3 %, p > 0.05). ConclusionThe incidence of metal bar allergy after MIRPE was less than 2 %, and titanium bar use was not significantly different in routine and selective testing groups. MAT was not associated with a reduction in bar allergy, and its use remains unsupported. Level of EvidenceIII.

Long-Term Sensory Function 3 years after Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum with Cryoablation

IntroductionMinimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) with intercostal nerve cryoablation (Cryo) decreases length of hospitalization and opioid use, but long-term recovery of sensation has been poorly described. The purpose of this study was to quantify long-term hypoesthesia and neuropathic pain after MIRPE with Cryo. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted single-institution of patients ≤21 years who presented for bar removal. Consented patients underwent chest wall sensory testing and completed neuropathic pain screening. Chest wall hypoesthesia to cold, soft touch, and pinprick were measured as the percent of the treated anterior chest wall surface area (TACWSA); neuropathic pain was evaluated by questionnaire. ResultsThe study enrolled 47 patients; 87% male; median age 18.4 years. The median bar dwell time was 2.9 years. A median of 2 bars were placed; 80.9% were secured with pericostal sutures. At enrollment, 46.8% of patients had identifiable chest wall hypoesthesia. The mean percentage of TACWSA with hypoesthesia was 4.7 ± 9.3% (cold), 3.9 ± 7.7% (soft touch), and 5.9 ± 11.8% (pinprick). Hypoesthesia to cold was found in 0 dermatomes in 62%, 1 dermatome in 11%, 2 dermatomes in 17% and ≥3 dermatomes in 11%. T5 was the most common dermatome with hypoesthesia. Neuropathic symptoms were identified by 13% of patients; none required treatment. ConclusionIn long-term follow up after MIRPE with Cryo, 46.8% of patients experienced some chest wall hypoesthesia; the average TACWSA with hypoesthesia was 4–6%. Hypoesthesia was mostly limited to 1–2 dermatomes, most commonly T5. Chronic symptomatic neuropathic pain was rare. Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Lessons Learned after 176 Patients Treated with a Standardized Procedure of Thoracoscopic Cryoanalgesia during Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum

BackgroundIntrathoracic intercostal cryoanalgesia (Cryo) during minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) reports have been related to improved pain management, although its extent differs amongst studies. We aimed to report our experience using a standardized perioperative approach including Cryo during MIRPE, and compare our actual results with those of a previous thoracic epidural analgesia (TE) cohort. Lessons learned are summarized. MethodsRetrospective study including patients undergoing Cryo during MIRPE between October 2018 and May 2023. Results with a standardized perioperative approach were analyzed. We then compared our Cryo cohort with a previous cohort of 62 patients who underwent TE and MIRPE between 2013 and 2018. Continuous variables were reported as mean and standard deviation, and as median (interquartile range) for variables with non-uniform distribution. ResultsWe performed 176 Cryo during MIRPE (16.8 ± 4.6 years), with a mean postoperative length of stay (LOS) of 1.4 ± 0.8 days and a median total requirement of 7.5 (0.0; 15.0) oral morphine equivalents (OME) (mg). Patients with Cryo had a significantly lower mean LOS (1.4 ± 0.8 vs. 3.6 ± 1.0 days, p < 0.0001), and median total opioid requirement [7.5 (0.0; 15.0) vs. 77.4 (27.0; 115.5 OME (mg), p < 0.0001) compared to TE patients.Lessons learned included ensuring adequate contact of the cryoprobe with the target, proper exposition, and specialized multidisciplinary perioperative patient and family support, including psychology and physical therapy. ConclusionsIn this study, we reported lessons learned after performing a standardized protocol of perioperative care in patients undergoing Cryo during MIRPE. This protocol enabled the achievement of a short LOS and low postoperative opioid requirement. Type of studyRetrospective comparative study. Level of evidenceIII.

Titanium nitride coating of pectus bar increases metal contamination after minimally-invasive repair of pectus excavatum.

Previous studies demonstrated a release of toxic metals, e.g. nickel and chromium, from stainless steel bars used for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). In the present study, we investigated the impact of titanium nitride coating on the metal release and exposure of MIRPE patients. We analyzed the courses of nickel and chromium levels in blood, urine and local tissue in patients undergoing MIRPE with a titanium nitride coated pectus bar between 03/2017 and 10/2018. Sample collection was scheduled prior to MIRPE, at defined postoperative time points and at bar removal. Additionally, we evaluated irritative symptoms. Results were compared to a control group who received uncoated stainless steel bars in a previous time period (03/2015-02/2017). 12 patients received coated pectus bars (mean age 15.7 years). The control group included 28 patients. After implantation of a titanium nitride coated bar, significant increase in systemic nickel and chromium levels after one, two and three years was noted. In an interim analysis one year after MIRPE, we observed patients with coated bars to have significantly elevated trace metal values compared to the control group. This elevation persisted throughout the observation period. Tissue metal values were also significantly increased. Irritative symptoms occurred significantly more often in study patients compared to controls (50.0% vs. 14.3%). Coating of pectus bars with titanium nitride failed to reduce metal contamination after MIRPE. Instead, it resulted in a significant increase of trace metal levels after MIRPE, compared to patients with stainless steel bars, which may be explained by wear of the coating and inter-component mobilization processes.

A Prospective Study of Sensory Changes in Pediatric Patients After Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum With Cryoablation

BackgroundCryoablation during minimally invasive repair for pectus excavatum (MIRPE) reduces opioid use and hospital length of stay. Skin hypoesthesia of the chest wall also occurs. This study sought to determine the frequency, onset, duration, and location of sensory changes and neuropathic pain after cryoablation. MethodsA prospective study was conducted on patients aged ≤21 years undergoing MIRPE with cryoablation of T3 to T7 dermatomes bilaterally for 120 s at a single institution between March 2021 to December 2022. Patients underwent sensory testing of the chest wall and neuropathic pain surveys (S-LANSS) preoperatively and then postoperatively for 6 months. Incidence and duration of hypoesthesia and neuropathic pain were evaluated. ResultsOf 61 patients enrolled in the study, 45 completed evaluations at six months postoperatively. All patients had skin hypoesthesia on postoperative day (POD)1. The mean percentage of the treated anterior chest wall surface area (TACWSA) with hypoesthesia to cold stimulus was 52% (±29.3) on POD 0 and 55% (±19.7) on POD 1. Sensation returned over time, with hypoesthesia affecting 11.1% (±15.5) TACWSA at 6 months. At study completion 58% of patients (26/45) had complete return of sensation; hypoesthesia was found at: 1 dermatome 13% (2/45), 2 dermatomes 22% (11/45), and 3 dermatomes 4% (2/45). Neuropathic pain (S-LANSS ≥12) was documented in 16% (9/55) of patients at hospital discharge but decreased to 6.7% of patients at 6 months. ConclusionOnset of skin hypoesthesia after cryoablation occurred on POD0 and affected 52% of the TACWSA. All patients experienced return of sensation to varying degrees, with 58% experiencing normal sensation in all dermatomes by 6 months. The etiology of persistent hypoesthesia to select dermatomes is unknown but may be related to operative technique or cryoablation. Chronic neuropathic pain is uncommon. Level of EvidenceII. Type of StudyPrognosis Study.

Treatment of the congenital thoracic deformity pectus excavatum.

Pectus excavatum is the most common chest wall deformity in the Czech Republic. This chest deformity is typically characterized by a wall depression with sternal rotation. If the excavation of the chest wall does not cause any physical or psychological problems, the patient does not need any specific treatment. However, if the deformity is painful, affects the function of the lungs, heart or results in psychological problems, we can propose an appropriate treatment for the specific age category of the patient. Up to 10 years, we choose a procedure that includes targeted exercises and rehabilitation; in the age group of 10-15 years, we can add to the exercises the vacuum bell therapy according to the patient's wishes and compliance; and in the age category of 16 years and above, the patient can be offered a surgical solution. The Nuss operation (so-called MIRPE - minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum) is the gold standard in surgical treatment; during this surgery, a patient-shaped bar is inserted retrosternally into the patient's chest under thoracoscopic control and is left for 3 years. The aim of this article is to describe the most common modern methods used in the treatment of patients with pectus excavatum, supplemented by a historical overview.

Minimalized Erlangen Correction Method by Hümmer (MEK) Compared with Conventional and Minimally Invasive Correction Methods for Pectus Excavatum Single Center Experience

Pectus excavatum (funnel chest) is the most common chest wall deformity in childhood and adolescence with a prevalence in the literature ranging from 1 in 3400 to 1 in 1000. In addition to conservative therapy with a suction cup and physiotherapy to improve posture, fitness, and muscle strength, there are several different surgical techniques, many of which have been improved over time. In evaluating the Minimalized Erlangen Correction Method (MEK), the main purpose of this retrospective analysis is to present the results and to compare them with reports on the Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum (MIRPE) technique, especially regarding long-term patient satisfaction, and with other open surgical methods in terms of operative trauma, as well as flexibility in its application, risk of complications, and patient safety.

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum in adults: a review article of presentation, workup, and surgical treatment.

Pectus excavatum (Pex) is one of the most common congenital deformities of the chest wall, with pectus constituting 90% of all chest wall deformities and excavatum being reported in almost 1:400 to 1:1,000 live births with predominant occurrence in males up to five times more than in females. Depending on the severity, presentation varies from mild cosmetic complaints to life limiting cardiopulmonary symptoms. Patients may develop symptoms as they age, and these symptoms may worsen over the years. A technique for minimally invasive repair for pectus excavatum (MIRPE) was introduced with the concept of temporarily implanting metal bars to correct the deformity. This has rapidly become the standard of care for the pediatric and adolescent patients. The use of MIRPE in adults, however, has been slower to adopt and more controversial. This is largely due to the increased calcification and rigidity of the chest wall in adults which can make the repair more complex and lead to a higher risk of complications. We present a literature review of the presentation, workup, and surgical treatment of adult patients with Pex undergoing MIRPE. Adult patients can, with advanced preoperative evaluations and technique modifications, undergo a highly successful repair resulting in symptom resolution and satisfying results.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Cryoanalgesia for Pain Management following Pectus Excavatum Repair: A Single-Center, Single-Blind, Parallel Design Study.

Conventional postoperative pain management, with an intravenous patient-controlled approach or thoracic epidural analgesia, has proved suboptimal following a minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). Considering its postulated mechanism of action, we encouraged cryoanalgesia as an effective method for post-repair pain management and a possibly superior alternative. A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was tested on patients undergoing PE repair in March and December 2022. Among 101 patients, consenting study participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: cryoanalgesia (group C, n=24) or non-cryoanalgesia (group N, n=24). Group N received conventional pain management. Comparing the results, pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS-R for resting and VAS-D for dynamic) and the total rescue analgesic consumption was determined. Intrathoracic cryoablation was performed bilaterally on the fourth and seventh intercostal nerves using a cryoprobe at -80°C for 2 min. The two groups had similar baseline-patient characteristics however; group C had a longer mean operative time (159 min vs. 125 min, p<0.01) and experienced significantly less pain throughout the postoperative course, with VAS at 6 h (5.38 vs 7.04, p<0.01) and 48 h (3.17 vs. 5.67, p<0.01). Cryoanalgesia improved postoperative pain control at rest and during movement following PE repair. However, the outcome was less favorable than expected because, the VAS was greater than 4 (moderate pain), although after a day or two, it decreased to lower levels (VAS<4) in the cyro group. Considering its extra invasiveness and instrumentation, a routine cryoanalgesia procedure for pectus surgery is yet to be determined.

Intercostal nerve cryoablation therapy for the repair of pectus excavatum: a systematic review.

The minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (PE) is a painful procedure that can result in long-term hospitalization and opioid use. To mitigate the length of stay and opioid consumption, many different analgesia strategies have been implemented. The aim of this study is to review the use and patient outcomes of intercostal nerve cryoablation (INC) during PE repair reported in the literature. An unfunded literature search using PubMed identifying articles discussing INC during PE repair from 1946 to 1 July 2023 was performed. Articles were included if they discussed patient outcomes with INC use during PE repair. Articles were excluded if they were reviews/meta-analyses, editorials, or not available in English. Each article was reviewed for bias by analyzing the study methods, data analysis, patient selection, and patient follow-up. Articles comparing outcomes of INC were considered significant if p-value was <0.05. A total of 34 articles were included in this review that described INC use during pectus repair. Most supported a decreased hospital length of stay and opioid use with INC. Overall, INC was associated with fewer short-term and long-term complications. However, the researchers reported varied results of total hospital costs with the use of INC. The review was limited by a paucity of prospective studies and low number of patients who received INC. Despite this, the present data support INC as a safe and effective analgesic strategy during the repair of PE.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Postoperative Opioid Requirement in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Pectus Excavatum Repair with Multimodal Analgesic Management.

Children with pectus excavatum are treated with surgical repair in a procedure known as minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). MIRPE causes considerable postoperative pain, resulting in the administration of a substantial dose of opioids. This study aimed to identify perioperative factors that influence the requirement for opioids in children undergoing MIRPE. Retrospective data from children who underwent MIRPE were analyzed. A multimodal analgesic protocol was implemented with a continuous wound infiltration system and administration of non-opioid analgesics. Intravenous opioid analgesics were administered if the pain score was greater than 4. The cumulative opioid use was assessed by calculating the morphine equivalent dose at 6, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Perioperative factors affecting the postoperative opioid use were identified with multiple linear regression analyses. This study included 527 children aged 3-6 years, with a mean age of 3.9 years. Symmetrically depressed chest walls, a lower Haller index, and a lower revised depression index were found to be associated with decreased postoperative opioids. Boys required higher opioid doses than girls. Longer pectus bars (10 inches versus 9 inches) were associated with increased opioid use. Severity indices, gender, and the length of pectus bars influence postoperative opioid requirement in children undergoing MIRPE surgery with multimodal analgesia.