Nuss Procedure Research Articles

Raising the Bar: Multimodal Analgesia with Transdermal Lidocaine for Nuss Repair of Pectus Excavatum Decreases Length of Stay and Opioid Use

IntroPain management for minimally invasive (Nuss) repair of pectus excavatum (PE) is challenging, particularly as the judicious use of opioids has become a patient safety priority. Multi-modal pain management protocols are increasingly used, but there is limited experience using transdermal lidocaine patches (TLP) in this patient population. MethodsPediatric anesthesiologists and surgeons in a children's hospital within a hospital designed a multi-modal perioperative pain management protocol for patients undergoing Nuss repair of PE (IRB00068901). The protocol included use of TLP in addition to other adjuncts such as methadone, gabapentin, and NSAIDS. Following initiation of the protocol charts were reviewed retrospectively, comparing outcomes before and after implementation of the protocol. ResultsForty-nine patients underwent a Nuss procedure between 2013 and 2022, 15 prior to initiation of the protocol and 34 after. Patient demographics and operative length were similar between the two groups. Average length of stay decreased from 4.7 to 3.3 days and reported opioid use at the time of the first outpatient post-op visit dropped from 60% to 24% (p < 0.05). Morphine milligram equivalents (MME) usage was decreased following implementation during hospital admission, at discharge, and at first post-operative visit (464 vs. 169, 1288 vs. 218, and 214 vs. 56, respectfully, p < 0.05). There were no ED visits or readmissions <30 days related to post-operative pain. ConclusionPost-operative opioid usage and hospital length of stay were decreased after initiation of the protocol. Transdermal lidocaine patches may be a helpful adjunct to minimize narcotic requirements after repair of pectus excavatum. Level of EvidenceLevel II.

Pectus arcuatum: Description of a hybrid surgical technique

ObjetivesPectus Arcuatum (PA) is a very rare anterior chest wall deformity resulting from premature obliteration of the sternomanubrial junction. Unlike other chest wall deformities, surgical correction continues to be the only treatment option. We report our initial experience using the hybrid technique and evaluate the results. MethodsWe reviewed all the cases of PA that underwent a hybrid procedure between January 2020 and June 2022.We combined the Nuss procedure and the modified-Ravitch procedure. All patients underwent either percutaneous or thoracoscopic cryoanalgesia to improve postoperative pain management. The Nuss procedure was performed first. A single bar was inserted under thoracoscopic vision.Sternochondroplasty was performed through a 3-4-centimeter-long mid-sternal skin incision. After dissecting the sternal insertions of both pectoralis major muscles, bilateral subperichondrial chondrectomies were carried out and a wedge-shaped transverse sternal osteotomy was performed using an oscillating saw, preserving the posterior lamina. Sternal realignment was achieved by securing opposite sides of the osteotomy with two vertical titanium plates. ResultsThree patients with PA were subjected to the hybrid procedure between January 2019 and June 2022. The mean age was 15 years (14-16). No intraoperative complications were encountered. The mean operative time was 200 minutes. Postoperative radiography showed optimal sternal realignment and stabilization. Excellent esthetic results were obtained with high patient satisfaction in all cases. The overall hospital stay ranged from four to five days in all cases with optimal pain control. The mean follow-up was 26.6 months (6-38), recurrence was not noted after bar removal. ConclusionsThe simultaneous correction of the sternal depression, with the insertion of a single pectus bar, during the hybrid procedure enables surgeons to perform a less invasive sternochondroplasty and a single sternal wedge-osteotomy through a smaller and more esthetic mid-sternal skin incision, whilst maintaining chest-wall stability. The hybrid technique is a novel procedure that has been carried out successfully in the 3 cases reported in our study, with excellent esthetic results. To our knowledge cryoanalgesia has not been previously employed to better the postoperative pain management of patients undergoing surgical correction for PA.

ID: 204376 Pectus Excavatum Intercostal Neuralgia Relief With Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Pectus excavatum, the posterior displacement of the sternum and adjoining ribs into the thoracic cavity, is the most common anterior chest wall deformation (1). Its incidence has been estimated to occur in 1 in 40 to 1 in 400 births (1). Moderate to severe cases of pectus excavatum are often associated with chronic sternal and chest wall pain, dyspnea, restrictive lung disease, and cardiovascular compression (2). In recent years, intercostal nerve cryoablation during surgical correction of pectus excavatum via the Nuss procedure has been associated with a shorter hospital length of stay, decreased opioid usage, and longer duration of chest numbness particularly in adults (3). Intercostal neuralgia is commonly treated with oral medications and single shot injections; however, pain relief can be unsatisfactory or short-lived in refractory cases. Despite the development of neuromodulation in treatment of various pain syndromes, there are only scant case reports on using spinal cord stimulation and no study on using peripheral nerve stimulation to treat intercostal neuralgia from pectus excavatum. In this case report, we describe a 69-year-old woman with a history of chronic chest wall pain secondary to pectus excavatum who found pain relief with peripheral nerve stimulation at the T4 nerve root bilaterally after minimal pain relief with physical therapy, multiple neuropathic agents, and chronic opioids.

Forgotten Branch of the Intercostal Nerve: Implication for Cryoablation Nerve Block for Pectus Excavatum Repair

BackgroundWe first utilized and reported on the use of cryoanalgesia for postoperative pain control for Nuss procedure in 2016. We hypothesized that postoperative pain control could be optimized if the intercostal nerve anatomy is better understood. To test this hypothesis, human cadavers were dissected to elucidate the intercostal nerve anatomy. Cryoablation technique was modified. MethodsCadaver Study: Adult cadavers were used to visualize the branching patterns of the intercostal nerves. Cryoablation: Posterior to the mid-axillary line for intercostal nerves 4, 5, 6 and 7, main intercostal nerve, lateral cutaneous branch and collateral branch were cryoablated under thoracoscopic view. Verbal pain scores were obtained from patients one day after the procedure. ResultsThe study results were obtained during the years 2021 and 2022. Eleven cadavers were dissected. The path of the main intercostal and lateral cutaneous branch lie on the inferior rib surface of the corresponding intercostal nerve. Total of 92 lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerve were dissected and measured as they pierced the intercostal muscle. Most lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerve pierced the intercostal muscle anterior to midaxillary line 78.3%, posterior to midaxillary line 18.5% or on the midaxillary line 3.3%. The collateral branch of the intercostal nerve separated near the spine and traveled along the superior surface of the next inferior rib. Cryoablation: 22 male patients underwent Nuss procedure with cryoanalgesia. Median age of the patients was 15 years (IQR: 2), median Haller index was 3.73 (IQR: 0.85), median pain score (0–10 maximum pain) was 1 (IQR: 1.75). ConclusionCryoablation of the intercostal nerve and its two branches improves pain control after a Nuss procedure. Level of EvidenceLevel 4. Type of StudyObservational study.

Modification of the Nuss procedure: the crossed bar technique for new subtypes of pectus excavatum.

We aim to describe four new subtypes of PE in detail and represent modification of the Nuss procedure called crossed bar technique for their optimum correction with good results. 101 patients who underwent crossed bar technique between August 2005 and February 2022 were included into the study. The mean age of the patient series was 21.1 (range 15-38years) years. Mean Haller index was 3.87. Mean operation duration was 86.84min. 2bars were used in 74 (73.3%) of the patients whereas 3bars were preferred in 27 (26.7%) of them. Mean hospital stay was 4.1 (2-8)days, and all the patients were seen routinely on postoperative follow-up at 1st, 6th, and 18thmonths. Quality of life questionnaires revealed satisfaction. Cross bar technique yields satisfactory results for these new subtypes and can be performed safely with good results in these selected group of patients.

Large right heart thrombus caused by nuss bar displacement

We reported a case of a 43-year-old woman with a funnel chest who presented with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation resulting from bar flipping after the Nuss procedure

Cardiorespiratory arrest during and after nuss procedure: case report

BackgroundPectum excavatum is a congenital thoracic alteration that can present important physiological alterations depending on the severity of the case. The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive technique for managing chest wall deformity, in which there is a risk of perioperative complications.Case presentationThis article presents the case of a 16-year-old patient who underwent placement of a Nuss bar and suffered intraoperative and postoperative cardiorespiratory arrest.Conclusionsit is important to consider the possible early and late complications scenarios as well as their treatment in patients with pectum excavatum scheduled for a Nuss procedure.

Stabilization of after-traumatic flail chest by minimally invasive modified NUSS procedure in patient with starting respiratory insufficiency

A flail chest is one of the possible medical conditions suffered by individuals who were injured in traffic accidents, caused by multiple fractures of the ribs and sternum. Which often results in paradoxical chest movements. The consequence may be respiratory failure and need for long-term mechanical ventilation. Such treatment require Intensive Care Unit and may be associated with the possibility of numerous complications.Modified Nuss procedure was performed in 79-year-old man, a victim of a car crash to obtain stabilization of the flail chest. After compensation of paradoxical movements on the third day it was possible to end mechanical ventilation. A quick procedure dedicated to the congenital deformation of the chest made it possible to avoid long, expensive intensive therapy with possible respiratory complications.The NUSS procedure enables the effective and safe treatment of a flail chest in a selected group of patients.

A pilot study of multi-modal pain management for same-day discharge after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (Nuss procedure) in children

BackgroundDespite advancements in minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE), Nuss procedure, postoperative pain control remains challenging. This report covers a multimodal regimen using bilateral single-shot paravertebral block (PVB) and bilateral thoracoscopic intercostal nerve (T3–T7) cryoablation, leading to significant reduction in length of stay (LOS) and high rate of same-day discharge.Methods This is a comparative study of pain management protocols for patients undergoing the Nuss procedure at a single center from 2016 through 2020. All patients underwent the the same surgical technique for the treatment of pectus excavatum at a single center. Patients received bilateral PVB with continuous infusion (Group 1, n = 12), bilateral PVB with infusion and right-side cryoablation (Group 2, n = 9), or bilateral single-shot PVB and bilateral cryoablation (Group 3, n = 17). The primary outcome was LOS with focus on same-day discharge, and the secondary outcome was decreased opioid usage.ResultsEleven of 17 patients in Group 3 (65%) (bilateral single-shot PVB and bilateral cryoablation) were discharged the same day as surgery. The remaining Group 3 patients were discharged the following day with no complications or interventions. Compared to Group 1 (no cryoablation), Group 3 had shorter LOS (median 4.4 days vs. 0.7 days, respectively, p < 0.001) and significantly decreased median opioid use on the day of surgery (0.92 mg/kg vs. 0.47 mg/kg, p = 0.006).Conclusion Findings demonstrate the feasibility of multimodal pain management for same-day discharge after the Nuss procedure. Future multisite studies are needed to investigate the superiority of this approach to established methods.Level of EvidenceIII.

Minimally invasive surgery for anterior flail chest injury in the acute phase: series of 10 cases.

Anterior flail chest frequency represents a significant case of ventilator insufficiency. Surgical stabilization of acute phase of trauma is considered to effectively shorten the period of ventilation compared to conservative treatment using mechanical ventilation. We have applied minimally invasive surgery to stabilize the injured chest wall. Surgical stabilization of predominantly anterior flail chest segments was performed using one or two bars as per the Nuss procedure, during the acute phase of chest trauma. Data from all patients were examined. Ten patients received surgical stabilization using the Nuss method between 1999 and 2021. All patients had already been mechanically ventilated prior to surgery. The mean period from trauma to surgery was 4.2days (range, 1-8days). The number of bars used was one for 7 patients, and two for 3 patients. The mean operation time was 60min (range, 25-107min). All patients were extubated from artificial respiration without surgical complications or mortality. Mean total ventilation period was 6.5days (range, 2-15days). All bars were removed in a subsequent surgery. No collapses or fracture recurrences were observed. This method is simple and effective for fixed anterior dominant frail segment.

Management of Internal Mammary Artery Injuries Associated With the Nuss Procedure.

The minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE), or Nuss procedure, is regarded as the gold standard technique for the treatment of symptomatic pectus excavatum. Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum is regarded as a low-risk operation with a reported life-threatening complication rate estimated at around 0.1%. Presented are three cases of right internal mammary artery injury (RIMA) after MIRPE resulting in massive hemorrhage in both the acute and chronic postoperative setting and subsequent management strategies. Exploratory thoracoscopy and angioembolization were utilized which achieved prompt hemostasis and allowed for complete patient recovery.

Modified bar bending method of thoracoscopic nuss procedure on pectus excavatum: a retrospective single-center study

BackgroundPectus excavatum (PE) is the most common disease of chest wall deformity, with an incidence of 1 in 300—400 births. Nuss procedure has proved to be the best surgical treatment method and has been widely used after clinical use for 30 years. We aimed to review the clinical data of pectus excavatum (PE) of thoracoscopic Nuss procedure adopted the Modified bar bending method of the six-point seven-section type, and compare it with the traditional curved bar bending method to explore the clinical application effect.MethodsForty-six cases of clinical data were summarized of children with PE who adopted the treatment of the Modified bar bending method of the six-point seven-section type from January 2019 to December 2021, and 51 cases were compared of PE children who adopted the treatment of traditional curved bar bending method from January 2016 to December 2018, including the data of age, gender, preoperative symptoms, symmetry, Haller index, operation time, bar bending time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative complications, bar migration, postoperative effect evaluation, etc.ResultsThe Procedure duration (P = 0.008), bar bending time (P < 0.001), and duration of postoperative pain (P < 0.001) were reduced significantly, and the incidence of bar migration after surgery was reduced as well by the modified bar bending method. There was no difference compared with traditional Nuss produce, like the incidence of evaluation of postoperative effects (Excellent, P = 0.93; Good, P = 0.80; Medium, P = 1.00; Poor, P = 1.00), bar migration (P = 1.00), postoperative complications (P = 1.00), Clavien- Dindo classification of surgical complications (I = 0.165; II = 1.00; IIIa = 1.00; IIIb = 1.00; VI = 1.00; V = 1.00), operative safety, and operative validity.ConclusionModified bar bending method of the six-point seven-section type, which is a kind of surgical method worth applying and popularizing, and the advantages of minimally procedure duration, bar bending time, and duration of postoperative pain, compared with the traditional bar bending method.

Complications and Outcomes of the Nuss Procedure in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review.

Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity, commonly identified in early childhood, creating a "sunken chest" appearance. Over time, the deformity can worsen, thus impacting cardiopulmonary function and creating significant body image disturbance in patients. The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive technique in which a curved steel bar is introduced underneath the sternum through small bilateral thoracic incisions to correct the deformity. Most studies regarding the procedure to date focus on outcomes and complications in pediatric patients, however, few studies discuss these results in adult patients. This systematic review aims to analyze common complications and outcomes in patients over the age of 18 who have not undergone any prior intervention for pectus excavatum. The most common complications experienced in adult patients were displacement of the implanted steel bar, infection of the surgical site, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, and chronic postoperative pain. Reoperation was common in patients with a displacement of the bar, chronic pain, and bleeding. Additionally, adult patients routinely required a higher number of steel bars to be placed to correct the deformity. Despite evidence that the rate of complications increases with age, the majority of adult patients in our included studies were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure with indications of improved self-image and reduced preoperative symptoms such as dyspnea on exertion, palpitations, chest pain, and depression.

Irritant Reaction to Titanium Oxalate on Preoperative Patch Testing Before NUSS Procedure

At our institution, we patch test patients for common metal hypersensitivities prior to the Nuss procedure for the correction of pectus excavatum. Recently we detected an increased incidence of positive reactions to titanium oxalate on patch testing that we believe is attributable to irritant reaction rather than true hypersensitivity due to its burn-like appearance. We aim to support this diagnosis of irritant reaction by testing three different formulations of titanium salts on patch testing.

Changes in Pulmonary Functions of Adolescents with Pectus Excavatum Throughout the Nuss Procedure

BackgroundWe aimed to determine the longitudinal changes in pulmonary functions of adolescents with Pectus Excavatum who underwent the Nuss procedure, the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). MethodsLung function measurements were performed before bar implantation (T0), at least six weeks to ten months after implantation (T1a), at least eleven months to sixty-one months after bar implantation (T1b) and at least two weeks after bar explantation (T2). ResultsData of 114 patients (83.3% male) whose median age at implantation was 15.6 years and at explantation 18.7 years were analyzed. Shortly after implantation at T1a a significant decline of vital capacity (VC; n = 82), forced vital capacity (FVC; n = 78) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1; n = 80) compared to T0 was seen. At T1b a significant decline for the residual volume (RV; n = 83), the residual volume/total lung capacity ratio (RV/TLC; n = 81), the total specific airway resistance (sRaw; n = 80) and the total airway resistance (Raw; n = 84) also compared to T0 was measured. In the comparison of T1b to T2 a significant increase of VC, FVC (n = 67), FEV1 (n = 69), TLC (n = 67) and a significant decrease of Raw (n = 66), sRaw, RV (n = 65) and the RV/TLC (n = 64) ratio could be observed. In the direct analysis between T0 and T2, after the explantation of the bar a significant increase in VC (n = 54), FVC (n = 52), and TLC (n = 55) and a significant decrease of RV (n = 51) and the RV/TLC index (n = 50), and in airway resistance parameters like Raw (n = 52) and sRaw (n = 51) could be detected. ConclusionsLung function values along with markers of airway resistance improve in patients after the complete procedure of MIRPE. Level of EvidenceLevel II.

Unexpected pectus carinatum: Reverse bending of xiphisternal joint after modified Nuss procedure

Unexpected pectus carinatum: Reverse bending of xiphisternal joint after modified Nuss procedure

Two-staged Correction for Pouter Pigeon Chest: A Less Invasive Procedure

Surgical correction of pouter pigeon chest deformity traditionally requires invasive procedures including total removal of the affected costal cartilages and major dissection of the sternum. We present a novel minimally invasive two-stage technique that was applied to an 8-year-old girl. First, the depressed lower chest was elevated using a plate with the Nuss procedure. Then, after 30 months, simultaneously with plate removal, correction of the remaining projection of the upper chest was also performed. This involved excision of only two pairs of deformed costal cartilage and a local osteotomy at the manubriosternal joint. Intraoperative blood loss was 20 mL, and the patient was discharged 7 days postoperatively. Because both the primary and secondary stages involve manual bending of the costal cartilages, our procedure may be suitably indicated only for patients in their early teenage years.

A Retrospective Study Comparing Outcomes of Paravertebral Clonidine Infusion for Pediatric Patients Undergoing Nuss Procedure

The continuous paravertebral blockade as part of the multimodal pain protocol is an effective regional technique to control pain after the Nuss procedure. We investigated the effectiveness of clonidine as an adjunct to paravertebral ropivacaine infusion. We conducted a retrospective study of 63 patients who underwent Nuss procedures and received bilateral paravertebral catheters. Data on demographics, surgical, anesthesia, and block characteristics, numeric rating pain scores (NRS), opioids consumption, hospital length of stay, complications, and side effects from medication administration were collected in children who received paravertebral ropivacaine 0.2% infusion without (N = 45) and with clonidine (1 mcg/mL) (N = 18). The two groups had similar demographics, although the clonidine group had higher Haller indices (6.5 (4.8, 9.4) vs. 4.8 (4.1, 6.6), p = 0.013). The clonidine group required less morphine equivalent/kg on postoperative day 2 (median, interquartile range 0.24 (0.22, 0.31) vs. 0.47 (0.29, 0.61) p = 0.002). There was no difference in median NRS pain scores. Both groups had similar catheter infusion durations, hospital length of stay, and complication rates. A postoperative pain management plan that includes paravertebral analgesia, including clonidine as an adjunct, may be considered to minimize opioid administration for patients undergoing primary Nuss repair.

What Is the Appropriate Timing for Bar Removal After the Nuss Repair for Pectus Excavatum?

IntroductionThe Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum requires that the sternal elevation be maintained by indwelling metal bars that are traditionally removed approximately 3 y after the repair. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients who underwent primary Nuss repair from 2007 to 2018 in two institutions and had a follow-up of at least 24 mo. Pectus bars had been left in place beyond 3 y in patients concerned over possible recurrence after bar removal. Structured interviews were held to assess pain, chest tightness, or other discomfort, and any adverse events related to pectus bars. Results were compared between patients in whom pectus bars were removed after 3 y (standard group) and those in whom bars were left in place longer (extended bar duration group). ResultsTwo hundred and thirty-one patients (91% males, mean age 23.9 ± 8.3, mean Haller index 4.9 ± 2.3) were included. Bar duration was 30.6 ± 6.6 mo in the standard group (51 patients) versus 69.1 ± 26.3 mo in the extended group (180 patients). Some discomfort was reported by 81.6% in the standard group versus 62.9% in the extended group (P = 0.033), and discomfort occurring at least monthly or more often was only reported by 30% in the standard versus 30.3% in the extended group (P = 1.000). Quality of life improved in 92.6% of the standard group versus 94.7% of the extended group (P = 1.000). No significant adverse events were reported in either group. ConclusionsOur data suggest that an extended bar duration after the Nuss repair may not cause any adverse event nor negatively affect quality of life.

Development of a five point enhanced recovery protocol for pectus excavatum surgery

PurposeWe implemented and evaluated an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol for Nuss procedures consisting of patient education, bowel management, pre/post-operative transitional pain service involvement, serratus anterior plane blocks and intercostal nerve cryoablation. MethodsA 5-point ERAS protocol was implemented using multiple plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles. Data was collected prospectively for patients in the full ERAS protocol and retrospectively for previous patients. The primary outcome was length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes were opioid consumption, pain scores, protocol compliance and patient satisfaction. The impact of PDSA cycles and the ERAS protocol was quantified using statistical process control charts and Mann Whitney U test. ResultsA total of 53 patients were identified, 13 within the ERAS protocol and 40 prior to introduction. There was no difference in age, sex, or Haller index between the two cohorts. The median LOS was decreased by 3 days in the ERAS cohort (P = 0.00001). There was decreased opioid consumption on post-operative day 1 (1.47 vs 1.96 MME/kg, p = 0.009) and overall (3.12 vs 6.35 MME/kg, p = 0.0042) in the ERAS cohort. Median pain scores did not differ between cohorts. ERAS bundle element compliance was: education 92%, bowel management 100%, transitional pain involvement 100%, serratus block 100% and cryoablation 100%. The 1-month survey revealed that 92% of patients were satisfied with their experience. ConclusionOur results demonstrate significant reduction in LOS and a trend to decreasing opioid consumption in hospital following ERAS protocol implementation and support the further application of ERAS protocols in pediatrics. Level of evidence:III – Retrospective comparative study.