Minimal invasive repair of pectus excavatum

Abstract

The modern era of correction of pectus excavatum (PE) started in 1949 by Ravitch. Since several modifications to the technique were published, but it was the standard way to correct PE for long time. Prof Nuss’s minimally technique changed the strategy for correction and seems now to be the standard technique for surgeons who correct PE. The optimal age for surgery is discussed. Most surgeons prefer that the patient is in the beginning of the puberty so the bar system is in situ through the growth spurt. It looks like that this decreases the recurrence rate. At this age the patients are also aware of the restrictions which are in the beginning of the treatment. But recently it has been offered to patient up to 40 years of age. Bar removal is done 3 years after correction and is a day surgery project. In most cases it is only necessary to open the incision where you have the stabilizer if you use the short bar technique. The complication are few in experienced hands. Most of the patients get a very beautiful result and are very satisfied with the operation.