Pectus excavatum: treatment with a minimally invasive technique

Abstract

Introduction: pectus excavatum is a malformation of the anterior thoracic wall, characterized by a deep depression of the sternum and alteration of the inferior chrondosternal joints. In the majority of cases the malformation is congenital. 

Objective: to report our experience in the treatment of pectus excavatum using an minimally invasive surgical technique. 

Patients: we analyze a serie of 8 patients aged between 4 and 15 years with symptomatic pectus excavatum and submitted to surgical correction using a videothoracoscopic method first described by Donald Nuss in 1997. The technique does not require rib resections or sternotomy. 

Results: A retrosternal metallic implant was introduced in all patients using videothoracoscopic support. No intraoperation complications occurred and with a satisfactory surgical correction of the deformity with a follow-up time of between 1 and 15 months. After 2 years the implant must be removed. 

Comments: After the publication of Nuss´s technique it has been used in various centers, who have published their results in the literature, valuing the good anatomical, physiological and esthetical results and the reduction of surgical operating time.