Pectus Repair Research Articles

Implementing Change: Sustaining Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols in Pediatric Surgery Using Iterative Assessments

IntroductionWhile Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are becoming more common in pediatric surgery, there is still little published about protocol compliance and sustainability. MethodsThis is a prospective observational study to evaluate the compliance of an ERAS protocol for pectus repair at a large academic children’s hospital. Our primary outcome was overall protocol compliance at 1-y postimplementation of the ERAS protocol. Our comparison group included all pectus repairs for 2 y before protocol implementation. ResultsOverall protocol compliance at 12 mo was 89%. Of the 16 pectus repairs included in the ERAS protocol group, 94% (n = 15) and 94% (n = 15) received preoperative acetaminophen and gabapentin, respectively, which was significantly greater than the historical control group (P < 0.001). For the intraoperative components analyzed, only the intrathecal morphine was significantly different than historical controls (100% versus 49%, P < 0.001). Postoperatively, the time from operating room to return to normal diet was shorter for the ERAS group (0.53 d versus 1.16 d, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in readmission rates between the two groups. ConclusionsERAS protocol compliance varies based on phase of care. Solutions to sustain protocols depend on the institution and the patient population. However, the utilization of implementation science fundamentals was invaluable in this study to identify and address areas for improvement in protocol compliance. Other institutions may adapt these strategies to improve protocol compliance at their centers.

Outcomes After Pectus Excavatum Repair: Center Volume Matters

PurposePectus excavatum (Pectus) repair may be offered for those with significant cardiopulmonary compromise or severe cosmetic defects. The influence of hospital center volume on postoperative outcomes in children is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of children undergoing Pectus repair, stratified by hospital surgical volume. MethodsThe Nationwide Readmission Database was queried (2016–2020) for patients with Pectus (Q67.6). Patients were stratified into those who received repair at high-volume centers (HVCs; ≥20 repairs annually) versus low-volume centers (LVCs; <20 repairs annually). Demographics and outcomes were analyzed using standard statistical tests. ResultsA total of 9414 patients with Pectus underwent repair during the study period, with 69% treated at HVCs and 31% at LVCs. Patients at LVCs experienced higher rates of complications during index admission, including pneumothorax (23% vs. 15%), chest tube placement (5% vs. 2%), and overall perioperative complications (28% vs. 24%) compared to those treated at HVCs, all p < 0.001.Patients treated at LVCs had higher readmission rates within 30 days (3.8% vs. 2.8% HVCs) and overall readmission (6.8% vs. 4.7% HVCs), both p < 0.010. Among readmitted patients (n = 547), the most frequent complications during readmission for those initially treated at LVCs included pneumothorax/hemothorax (21% vs. 8%), bar dislodgment (21% vs. 12%), and electrolyte disorders (15% vs. 9%) compared to those treated at HVCs. ConclusionPediatric Pectus repair performed at high-volume centers was associated with fewer index complications and readmissions compared to lower-volume centers. Patients and surgeons should consider this hospital volume-outcome relationship. Type of StudyRetrospective Comparative. Level of EvidenceIII.

A preoperative psychosocial intervention for youth undergoing pectus repair: Development and initial patient/caregiver experiences.

A preoperative psychosocial intervention for youth undergoing pectus repair: Development and initial patient/caregiver experiences.

Supplemental Material for A Preoperative Psychosocial Intervention for Youth Undergoing Pectus Repair: Development and Initial Patient/Caregiver Experiences

Supplemental Material for A Preoperative Psychosocial Intervention for Youth Undergoing Pectus Repair: Development and Initial Patient/Caregiver Experiences

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.

Pectus repair after prior sternotomy: clinical practice review and practice recommendations based on a 2,200-patient database.

The minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is widely accepted as a method of pectus excavatum (PE) repair. Repair is rarely performed in patients with a history of median sternotomy. A feared complication of this procedure is iatrogenic cardiac injury; the risk of injury in patients with prior sternotomy is especially high due to the development of post-surgical retrosternal adhesions, which obscures the "critical view" during MIRPE. A 14-center review reported the incidence to be as high as 7% after analyzing 75 patients with history of sternotomy who underwent MIRPE. Little literature exists on how to best prepare for MIRPE in patients with prior sternotomy. A review of the literature and a retrospective review of over 2,200 patients who underwent MIRPE at our institution was performed to analyze 9 patients who underwent MIRPE after prior sternotomy. Iatrogenic cardiac injury occurred in 2 patients. Given the infrequency in our experience and the low numbers reported in the literature, statistical conclusions cannot be drawn. However, prudent strategies based on this experience include thoracoscopy, routine sternal elevation, direct sub-xiphoid retrosternal dissection, coordination with cardio-thoracic surgeons, preparation for cardio-pulmonary bypass, and massive transfusion protocol availability to optimize surgical outcomes in patients undergoing MIRPE with a history of sternotomy.

Evolution of Pain Control for Adult Pectus Excavatum Repair

BackgroundPain control after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) can be challenging, especially in adult patients undergoing surgical repair. This study reviewed different analgesic modalities used over ≥10 years after pectus repair. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent uncomplicated primary MIRPE at a single institution from October 2010 to December 2021. Patients were classified by analgesic modality used: epidural, elastomeric continuous infusion subcutaneous catheters (SC-Caths), and intercostal nerve cryoablation. Comparisons among the 3 groups were performed. ResultsIn total, 729 patients were included (mean age, 30.9 ±10.3 years; 67% male; mean Haller index, 4.9 ±3.0). Patients in the cryoablation group required significantly lower doses of morphine equivalents (P < .001) and had overall the shortest hospital stay (mean, 1.9 ±1.5 days; P < .001) with <17% staying >2 days (vs epidural at 94% and SC-Cath at 48%; P < .001). The cryoablation group had a lower incidence of ileus and constipation (P < .001) but a higher incidence of pleural effusion requiring thoracentesis (P = .024). Mean pain scores among groups were minor (<3), and differences were insignificant. ConclusionsThe use of cryoablation in conjunction with enhanced recovery pathways provided significant benefit to our patients undergoing MIRPE compared with previous analgesic modalities. These benefits included a decrease in length of hospital stay, a reduction of in-hospital opioid use, and a lower incidence of opioid-related complications associated with constipation and ileus. Further studies to assess additional potential benefits with long-term follow-up after discharge are warranted.

Technical Advances in Pectus Bar Stabilization in Chest Wall Deformity Surgery: 10-Year Trends and an Appraisal with 1,500 Patients.

We aimed to demonstrate the advances we have achieved in pectus excavatum surgery over the last 10 years, with a particular focus on the refinement of pectus bar stabilization techniques and devices. In total, 1,526 patients who underwent minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum surgery from 2013 to 2022 were enrolled and analyzed. We have pursued a new paradigm of crane-powered remodeling of the entire chest wall. The method of bar stabilization has changed from claw fixators to hinge plates and, finally, to bridge plate connections. We also evaluated the effectiveness of the hinge plate (group H) and the bridge plate (group B). The bar displacement rates were 0.1% (n=2) for the claw fixator, 0% for the hinge plate (n=0), and 0% for the bridge plate (n=0). We stopped using the claw fixator in 2022 and the hinge plate in 2019. Since 2022, when we shifted to a multiple-bar technique for all patients, the bridge plate has replaced both the claw fixator and the hinge plate. No bar displacement occurred in either group. Group H had more pleural effusion, wound problems (p<0.05), and longer stays (5.5 vs. 6.2 days, p=0.034) than group B. We have made significant progress in pectus repair surgery over the last decade, particularly in stabilizing the pectus bar and reducing perioperative complications. Our current strategy is the multiple-bar approach with bridge stabilization. Since the bridge-only technique resulted in no bar displacement, we could eliminate the invasive claw fixator or hinge plate.

Improved Right Ventricular Diastolic Function Assessed by Hepatic Vein Flow After Pectus Excavatum Repair

BackgroundThe cardiovascular benefits of surgical repair in pectus excavatum (PEx) continue to be debated, with limited data supporting repair in adult patients. Hepatic vein flow is used to identify right-sided diastolic dysfunction in cardiovascular disorders, including tricuspid stenosis, cardiac tamponade, and constrictive pericarditis. This study evaluates the effects of cardiac compression on diastolic function (as assessed by hepatic vein flow patterns and velocities) before and after repair of PEx. MethodsA retrospective study was performed of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiograms including hepatic vein assessments of adult patients who underwent preoperative and postoperative evaluations during repair of PEx from 2018 to 2021. ResultsIn total, 127 patients were included (median age, 29.0 [15.4] years; median Haller index, 4.2 [1.7]; 60.6% male). Statistically significant improvements were seen after pectus repair of right ventricular stroke volume and diastolic function as measured by increased postoperative velocities for hepatic vein waves (P < .001 for all comparisons). Preoperatively, 5.5% of patients had constrictive-like physiology with end-diastolic retrograde flow that normalized postoperatively (P = .016). Approximately 10% of patients changed their pattern of hepatic vein flow after surgical procedure. Patients with more proximal cardiac compression had greater improvements in hepatic vein velocities after repair. ConclusionsSurgical relief of cardiac compression resulted in an immediate improvement in hepatic vein flow and right ventricle stroke volume in patients with PEx. These results support diastolic dysfunction in a large number of patients, with improvement in function and compliance after the surgical relief of cardiac compression.

Novel techniques and future developments in minimally invasive pectus repair.

After the paradigm shift in the treatment of excavated deformities caused by the introduction of the Nuss technique in 1998, several innovative technical modifications and new treatment modalities have radically changed the surgical approach of pectus excavatum in the last couple of years. These new trends attain different topics. On one hand, the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing and implant customization surge as a possibility for a wider audience as 3D printers become available with lower costs. They provide the surgeon with new elements that enable precise planning, simulation, and customized prostheses amidst a tendency to abandon standardization and incorporate personalized medicine. Another topic comprises mandatory sternal elevation, in the continuous search for safety first always. Complete thoracic remodeling as a goal of repair instead of addressing only focal depressions, leaving the upper chest or focal protrusions unresolved. Finally, although the current surgical approach has evolved significantly, many groups still use lateral stabilizers or direct implant fixation with sutures or wires to the ribs. These systems continue to prove unreliable in preventing implant displacement. Fortunately, the bridge technique, described in this review, has come to address this sometimes fatal issue with encouraging results. We provide an updated overview of the latest developments regarding these concepts, related to the current state-of-the-art of the treatment of pectus excavatum.

Risk Factors and Techniques for Safe Pectus Bar Removal in Adults After Modified Nuss Repair

BackgroundThe Nuss repair involves implants designed for removal after 2 to 3 years. Although rare, significant complications can occur with bar removal, and the incidence of these complications may be higher in adults. This study was performed to review complications and risk factors associated with bar removal and discuss strategies to improve operative safety. MethodsA retrospective study was performed including all patients after pectus excavatum repair who underwent Nuss implant removal at Mayo Clinic Arizona (Phoenix, AZ) from 2013 to 2022. ResultsIn total, 1555 bars were removed (683 patients; 71% men; median age, 34 years[(range, 15-71 years]). Of the removals, 12.45% of patients had bars placed at outside institutions. Major complications were rare, with bleeding most common (2.05%), followed by pneumothorax (0.88%), infection (0.59%), and effusions (0.44%). Most major bleeding (85.71%) occurred from the bar track during removal and was controlled by packing the track. One patient required subsequent hematoma evacuation and transfusion. Bleeding secondary to lung injury was also successfully controlled with packing. Bar removal in 1 patient with significantly displaced bars required sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass as a result of aortic injury. Risk factors identified for bleeding included sternal erosion (P < .001), bar migration (P < .001), higher number of bars (P = .037), and revision of a previous pectus repair (P = 0.001). Bar migration was additionally associated with major complications (P < .001). Older age, although a risk factor for overall complications (P = 0.001), was not a risk factor for bleeding. ConclusionsBar removal can be safely performed in most patients; however, significant complications, including bleeding, may occur. Identifying potential risk factors and being prepared for rescue maneuvers are critical to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Liposomal bupivacaine reduces opioid requirements following Ravitch repair for pectus excavatum.

The management of post-operative pain after surgical repair of pectus excavatum with the Ravitch procedure is challenging. Although previous studies have compared various methods of pain control in these patients, few have compared different local anesthetics. This retrospective analysis compares the use of bupivacaine to its longer-acting form, liposomal bupivacaine, in patients who had undergone pectus excavatum repair with the Ravitch method. Eleven patients who received local infiltration with liposomal bupivacaine were matched to 11 patients who received local infiltration utilizing bupivacaine with epinephrine. The primary outcome was total morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram body weight (MME/kg) over the complete length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included total cumulative diazepam, acetaminophen, ondansetron, and NSAID dose per kilogram body weight (mg/kg) over the course of the hospital stay, chest tube drainage (ml/kg body weight), number of post-operative hours until the first bowel movement, Haller Index, patient request for magnesium hydroxide, average pain scores from post-operative day 1 to post-operative day 5, and length of hospital stay. Continuous variables were reported as medians with inter-quartile ranges, and categorical values were reported as percentages and frequencies. The total MME/kg [1.7 (1.2-2.4) vs 2.9 (2.0-3.9), P = 0.007] and hydromorphone (mg/kg) [0.1 (0.0-0.2) vs 0.3 (0.1-0.4), P = 0.006] use in the liposomal bupivacaine group versus bupivacaine with epinephrine was significantly reduced over total length of hospital stay. Similarly, there was a reduction in diazepam use in the liposomal bupivacaine group versus the bupivacaine group [0.4 (0.1-0.8) vs 0.6 (0.4-0.7), P = 0.249], but this did not reach statistical significance. The total dose of ondansetron (mg/kg) was not statistically different when comparing the liposomal bupivacaine group to the bupivacaine group [0.3 (0.0-0.5) vs 0.3 (0.2-0.6), P = 0.332]. Interestingly, the total dose of acetaminophen (mg/kg) was statistically increased in the liposomal bupivacaine group compared to the bupivacaine with epinephrine group [172 (138-183) vs 74 (55-111), P = 0.007]. Additionally, the total chest tube drainage (ml/kg) was significantly reduced in the liposomal bupivacaine group [9.3 (7.5-10.6) vs 12.8 (11.3-18.5), P = 0.027]. Finally, the percentage of patients without requests for magnesium hydroxide to promote laxation was significantly higher in the liposomal bupivacaine group than in the bupivacaine group (63.6% vs 18.2%, P = 0.027). The use of liposomal bupivacaine for local infiltration in patients who undergo the Ravitch procedure for pectus repair offers advantages over plain bupivacaine, including reduced opioid consumption and opioid-related side effects. However, more data are needed to understand the significance of these findings.

Cryoablation is associated with shorter length-of-stay and reduced opioid use after the Ravitch procedure

PurposeThe use of intercostal nerve cryoablation (INC) is becoming increasingly common in patients undergoing pectus repair. This study sought to evaluate the use of INC compared to traditional use of thoracic epidural (TE) in patients undergoing the modified Ravitch procedure. MethodsA retrospective review of 37 patients undergoing the modified Ravitch repair with either INC or TE from March 2009 to July 2021 was conducted. The operations were performed by four surgeons who worked together at four different hospitals and have the same standardized practice. The primary outcome measure was hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary variables included surgical time, total operating room time, operating room time cost, total hospital cost, inpatient opioid use, long term opioid use after discharge, and post-operative complications. ResultsLOS decreased to 2.8 days in the INC group compared to 6 days in the TE group (p<0.0001). Surgical time and total OR time was increased in the INC group. The INC group experienced significantly lower hospital costs (p<0.01). Total hospital opioid administration was significantly lower in INC group, and there was a significant decrease in long term opioid use in the INC group (p<0.0001). ConclusionsINC is a newer modality that decreases LOS, controls pain, and results in overall cost savings for patients undergoing the modified Ravitch procedure. We recommend that INC be included in the current practice for postoperative pain control in pectus disorder patients undergoing the modified Ravitch procedure.

Neurolysis for analgesia following pectus repair in a national cohort

IntroductionPectus excavatum and pectus carinatum are the most common chest wall deformities of childhood. Surgical repair can be complicated by post-operative analgesic challenges. Thoracic epidural analgesia, patient-controlled analgesia, and multimodal pain control are among the most common strategies. We sought to define the current utilization of intraoperative thoracic neurolysis, hypothesizing that this would minimize length of stay (LOS) and post-operative narcotic use with relatively higher proportion of non-narcotic post-operative analgesia. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database between 2017 and 2020. We first identified patients who underwent a pectus repair via ICD-10-PCS codes. We used ICD-10-PCS codes 01580ZZ and 01584ZZ to identify those patients who underwent concomitant thoracic neurolysis. Statistical analyses were performed using R; p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. ResultsWe identified 2979 patients who underwent a pectus repair. 184 underwent a concomitant thoracic nerve destruction procedure (6.7%); 13 were performed in 2017 (2.01%), 76 in 2018 (10.7%), and 84 in 2019 (9.6%). LOS was shorter in those patients who underwent neurolysis (mean=2.55 vs 3.73 days, SD=1.33 vs 1.78 days, p<0.001). There were fewer post-operative ICU admissions in neurolysis patients (3/184 vs. 193/2795, p = 0.003). The cost of procedures that included a neurolysis were higher, though not significantly so (mean=$24,885.64 vs $22,200.59). ConclusionThoracic neurolysis may be a useful analgesic strategy, expediating post-operative discharge and potentially obviating the need for intensive care. Further larger-scale prospective trials should be considered to further elucidate the role of this analgesia method. Level of EvidenceLevel III

Chest Wall Reconstruction Utilizing Ovine-derived Reinforced Tissue Matrix

BackgroundChest wall reconstruction can be a challenge. The perfect material does not exist to restore chest wall stability. Synthetic materials have been the mainstay for reconstruction. Biological material use has increased. Recently, we initiated the use of a biosynthetic material for chest wall reconstruction that is composed of ovine-derived extracellular tissue matrix and monofilament polypropylene suture. MethodsWe respectively reviewed all patients who underwent chest wall reconstruction with a biosynthetic material from January 2020 to June 2021. ResultsTwenty-five patients underwent chest wall reconstruction. Median age was 35 years (range, 18 to 68); 64% were men. Indication for reconstruction was tumor resection in 10, chest wall defect after pectus repair in 7, radiation necrosis in 5, chest wall infection in 2, and lung herniation in 1. Infection was present in 28%. Median chest wall defect was 7 × 10 cm (range, 3.5 to 22.5 cm). Bioabsorbable bars were used in combination with the biosynthetic material patch in 15 patients (60%) and biosynthetic material alone in 10; 5 patients underwent myocutaneous advancement flaps. There were no operative deaths. Postoperative complications occurred in 6 patients (24%). Median hospital stay was 5 days (range, 3 to 14). Late complications occurred in 4 patients (16%). No patient had paradoxical motion, chest wall instability, or required biosynthetic material removal at a median follow-up of 12 months (range, 1 to 18). ConclusionsThis novel biosynthetic material combines the benefits of biologic material and polymer reinforcement to provide a more natural chest wall reconstruction compared with mesh products made of synthetic material alone. Early results are promising in this first series in the literature.

Post bar removal results of pectus deformity patients who underwent minimally invasive correction.

The most common chest wall deformities are pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum. Surgical repair of these deformities via minimally invasive technique using pectus bars is commonly preferred by numerous thoracic surgeons. Despite this common choice for treatment, the duration of the bar stay, the bar removal process, the possible complications and ways to prevent them have been debated over the years and still there is no single decision. To determine the decision making, surgical outcomes and negative factors in the bar removal process. There were 1032 patients underwent bar removal between 2006-2020 and their data was recorded prospectively. We analyzed patients' demographics, family history, Haller index, bar count, body mass index, stabilizer and wire usage, length of hospital stay, time until bar removal, incision side and complications retrospectively. There was no significant correlation between BMI and surgery time (p = 0.748). There was no statistically significant correlation between the age groups and the number of pectus bars removed. The other factors showed no significant difference. The surgery time was found to be significantly longer in those with callus tissue (p = 0.002). These findings suggest that pectus bars can be left in place for a shorter time than the standard 3-year interval without any additional recurrence risk and without compromising quality of life. As a result, patients with persistent pain after pectus repair should be well evaluated for the possibility of life-threatening complications during bar removal.

Quality Improvement Initiative: Foley Catheters in Patients Undergoing Pectus Deformity Repair

Background and Hypothesis: Pectus excavatum and carinatum are sternal deformities that often require surgeries with significant postoperative pain that can limit a patient’s ability to void. An indwelling urinary catheter is placed for the operation, but is often removed on the first postoperative day due to concerns of infection, which begs the necessity of these catheters in the first place. In this study, we hypothesized that there would be no increased risk of urinary retention or urinary tract infection irrespective of whether urinary catheters were utilized.&#x0D; Experimental Design: A pre/post quality improvement study was undertaken of patients undergoing pectus excavatum/carinatum repair between June 1, 2015 and May 31, 2022. The pre intervention group spanned from June 1, 2015 to May 31, 2021, where Foley catheters were placed intraoperatively and removed the first postoperative day. Pediatric surgery and anesthesia groups changed practice effective June 1, 2021 and decided to no longer utilize urinary catheters in pectus repairs. Pre-intervention patients were acquired through the surgery billing database. Post-intervention patients were acquired prospectively. Rates of urinary retention (any event requiring mechanical intervention for voiding) and urinary tract infections (UTI, &gt;100,000 CFU bacteria/mL urine) were compiled into REDCap. Data are expressed as percent of the total cohort.&#x0D; Results: Of 179 patients undergoing pectus repair (162 Excavatum, 17 Carinatum), 12 patients (6.7%) in the pre-intervention group experienced urinary retention. Of these, 9 received in/out catheterization, 1 had a Foley catheter replaced, and 2 underwent in/out catheterization and had a Foley replaced. There were no urinary tract infections recorded among the pre-intervention group.&#x0D; Conclusion and Potential Impacts: Urinary retention and UTI are rare in patients who have an indwelling urinary catheter. Data acquired over the next year from the post-intervention group will help determine the true necessity for these catheters in the perioperative pectus population.

Sex Differences in Objective Measures of Adult Patients Presenting for Pectus Excavatum Repair

BackgroundWomen have a reported incidence of pectus deformities four to five times less than men. Sex differences have not been well studied. MethodsA retrospective review was performed of adult patients (aged 18 years or more) who underwent a pectus excavatum repair at Mayo Clinic in Arizona (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2019). ResultsIn total, 776 adults underwent pectus repair, with 30% being women. Women presented older (mean age 35 vs 32 years, P = .007) and more symptomatic. Despite this, women performed better on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (higher maximum oxygen consumption and oxygen pulse). Women had more severe deformities (Haller index 5.9 vs 4.3, P < .001). However, in 609 patients undergoing attempted primary minimally invasive pectus repair, intraoperative fractures/osteotomies occurred equally between men and women, with the majority occurring in patients 30 years of age or more (11.5% for age 30 or more, 1.7% for age less than 30; total 7%). Women were also less likely to require three bars for repair (12% vs 42%, P < .001). Hospital length of stay and postoperative complication rates were not significantly different. Postoperatively, women reported a greater daily intensity of pain, but only on the initial postoperative day did they use significantly more opioids than men. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing of 142 patients undergoing baseline and postoperative evaluation at bar removal showed equal and significant benefits in both sexes. ConclusionsWomen presented for pectus excavatum repair at an older age and with greater symptoms and more severe symptoms. Despite this, women required fewer bars, and there were no significant differences in length of stay or complications. Cardiopulmonary benefits of repair were significant and equal for both women and men.

Development of a Screw-Crane System for Pre-Lifting the Sternal Depression in Pectus Excavatum Repair: A Test of Mechanical Properties for the Feasibility of a New Concept.

BackgroundPre-lifting of the sternum marked a major turning point in pectus excavatum repair. The author developed the crane technique in 2002 and successfully applied it to more than 2,000 cases using sternal wire stitching. However, blind sternal suturing limited the use of the wire-stitch crane. We propose a novel screw for sternal lifting as a new tool for the crane technique.MethodsWe developed a screw system strong enough to withstand the pressure needed for sternum lifting. The screw was designed to have a broader thread to hold the bony tissue securely. The screw’s sustaining power was tested using the torsion, driving torque, and axial pull-out tests in a polyurethane block and ex-vivo porcine sternum.ResultsThe screws were easily driven into the sternum, and the head of the screw was connectable to the table-mounted retractor. In the torsion test, the 2° offset torsional yield was 4.53 N·m (reference value, 1 N·m). In the polyurethane block driving torque test, the maximum torque was 0.98 N·m (reference value, 0.70 N·m). The axial pull-out test was 446 N (reference value, 100 N). The maximum pull-out resistance in the ex-vivo porcine sternum model was 1,516 N.ConclusionThe screw crane was strong enough to sustain the chest wall weight to be lifted. Thus, the screws could effectively replace the sternal wire stitching in crane pre-lifting of the sternum. We expect that application of the screw-crane will be easy and that it will improve the safety and success rate of pectus repair surgery.

Complications after Ravitch versus Nuss repair of pectus excavatum: A Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery Database analysis

BackgroundThere are conflicting reports in the literature comparing outcomes after open Ravitch and minimally invasive Nuss procedures for pectus excavatum repair, and there is relatively little data available comparing the outcomes of these procedures performed by thoracic surgeons. MethodsThe 2010 to 2018 Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database was queried for patients age 12 or greater undergoing open or minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum. Patients were stratified by operative approach. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with a composite outcome of 30-day complications. ResultsA total of 1,767 patients met inclusion criteria, including 1,017 and 750 patients who underwent minimally invasive pectus repair and open repair, respectively. Open repair patients were more likely to be American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class III or greater (24% vs 14%; P < .001), have a history of prior cardiothoracic surgery (26% vs 14%; P < .001), and require longer operations (median 268 vs 185 minutes; P < .001). Open repair patients were more likely to require greater than 6 days of hospitalization (18% vs 7%; P < .001), undergo transfusion (7% vs 2%; P < .001), and be readmitted (8% vs 5%; P = .004). After adjustment, open repair was not associated with an increased risk of a composite of postoperative complications (odds ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.67–1.46). This finding persisted after propensity score matching (odds ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval 0.74–1.67). ConclusionPectus excavatum repair procedure type was not associated with the risk of postoperative complications after adjustment. Further investigation is necessary to determine the impact of pectus excavatum repair type on recurrence and patient reported outcomes, including satisfaction, quality of life, and pain control.