Enhanced Recovery After Surgery 2.0: Optimizing Pain Management in Nuss Procedure: Cryoablation and Nerve Block Strategies for Reduced Opioid Use.

INTRODUCTION: Our study assesses the association between cryoablation, with and without nerve block supplementation, post-Nuss procedure pain, and opioid use in pectus excavatum (PE) patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single center for PE patients who underwent the Nuss procedure from 2017 to 2022. Outcomes included postoperative opioid use (measured in oral morphine milligram equivalent per kilogram [OME/kg]), average pain score (scale 0-10), and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: One hundred sixty-four patients (146 males and 18 females) were included, with 79 (48.2%) receiving neither cryoablation nor nerve block, 60 (36.6%) receiving intraoperative cryoablation alone, and 25 (15.2%) receiving both cryoablation and nerve block. The median age was 16 y. Nerve block recipients consumed fewer opioids during hospitalization than cryoablation alone and nonintervention groups (1.5 versus 2.3 versus 5.8 OME/kg, respectively, P < 0.0001). Average pain scores over the total LOS were lower in nerve block recipients (3.5 versus 3.8 versus 4.2, P = 0.03), particularly on postoperative day 0 (P = 0.002). Nerve block recipients had a shorter LOS than cryoablation alone and nonintervention groups (43.4 versus 54.7 versus 66.2 h, P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, cryoablation alone resulted in significantly less opioid use compared to no intervention (3.32 OME/kg reduction, 95% confidence interval -4.16 to -2.47, P < 0.0001). Addition of nerve block further reduced opioid use by 1.10 OME/kg (95% confidence interval -2.07 to -0.14, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Cryoablation with nerve block supplementation is associated with reduced pain, opioid use, and LOS post-Nuss for PE repair compared to cases without cryoablation or with cryoablation only. Cryoablation with regional nerve blocks should be considered for Nuss repair under the enhanced recovery after surgery pathway.

The electrocardiographic manifestations of pectus excavatum before and after surgical correction.

BACKGROUND: Pectus excavatum (PEx) can cause cardiopulmonary limitations due to cardiac compression and displacement. There is limited data on electrocardiogram (ECG) alterations before and after PEx surgical repair, and ECG findings suggesting cardiopulmonary limitations have not been reported. The aim of this study is to explore ECG manifestations of PEx before and after surgery including associations with exercise capacity. METHODS: A retrospective review of PEx patients who underwent primary repair was performed. ECGs before and after surgical correction were evaluated and the associations between preoperative ECG abnormalities and cardiopulmonary function were investigated. RESULTS: In total, 310 patients were included (mean age 35.1 ± 11.6 years). Preoperative ECG findings included a predominant negative P wave morphology in V1, and this abnormal pattern significantly decreased from 86.9% to 57.4% (p < 0.001) postoperatively. The presence of abnormal P wave amplitude in lead II (>2.5 mm) significantly decreased from 7.1% to 1.6% postoperatively (p < 0.001). Right bundle branch block (RBBB) (9.4% versus 3.9%, p < 0.001), rsr' patterns (40.6% versus 12.9%, p < 0.001), and T wave inversion in leads V1-V3 (62.3% vs 37.7%, p < 0.001) were observed less frequently after surgery. Preoperative presence of RBBB (OR = 4.8; 95%CI 1.1-21.6) and T wave inversion in leads V1-3 (OR = 2.3; 95%CI 1.3-4.2) were associated with abnormal results in cardiopulmonary exercise testings. CONCLUSION: Electrocardiographic abnormalities in PEx are frequent and can revert to normal following surgery. Preoperative RBBB and T wave inversion in leads V1-3 suggested a reduction in exercise capacity, serving as a marker for the need for further cardiovascular evaluation of these patients.

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural block for postoperative analgesia in pediatric Nuss surgery: a randomized noninferiority trial.

PURPOSE: Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) is often used for analgesia after thoracic surgery. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has been proposed to provide adequate analgesia. We hypothesized that ESPB would be noninferior to TEA as a part of multimodal analgesia in pediatric patients undergoing the Nuss procedure. METHODS: Patients aged 7-18 years and scheduled for the Nuss procedure were randomly allocated to receive bilateral single-shot ESPB or TEA and a multimodal analgesic regimen including parent-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). At 6 h, 12 h, 18 h, and 24 h postoperatively, pain was evaluated using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and opioid consumption was assessed by counting the number of PCIA boluses. The joint primary outcomes were the average pain score and opioid consumption at 24 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes were the NRS scores and the number of opioid boluses administered at different postoperative time points, adverse events, and recovery quality. RESULTS: Three hundred patients underwent randomization, and 286 received ESPB (147 patients) or TEA (139 patients). At 24 h postoperatively, ESPB was noninferior to TEA in terms of the average NRS score (mean difference, - 0.1, 95% confidence interval [CI], - 0.3-0.1, margin = 1, P for noninferiority < 0.001) and the number of opioid boluses administered (mean difference, - 1.1, 95% CI, - 2.8-0.6, margin = 7, P for noninferiority < 0.001). Adverse events and patient recovery were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that combined with a multimodal analgesia, ESPB provides noninferior analgesia compared to TEA with respect to pain score and opioid consumption among pediatric patients undergoing the Nuss procedure.

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

INTRODUCTION: The 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. METHODS: A 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). RESULTS: Two 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. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that an extended bar duration after the Nuss repair may not cause any adverse event nor negatively affect quality of life.

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

BACKGROUND: Pectus 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. METHODS: Forty-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. RESULTS: The 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. CONCLUSION: Modified 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.

Cryoanalgesia is Associated With Decreased Postoperative Opioid Use in Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain control is challenging after pectus excavatum repair. We aimed to understand the impact that cryoanalgesia had on opioid utilization and outcomes of pediatric patients undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE). METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients (< 18 y) who underwent MIRPE (2011-2019). Patients receiving cryoanalgesia were compared to those who did not. The primary outcome was total postoperative, inpatient, opioid use, measured as milligrams of oral morphine equivalents per kilogram (OME/kg). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 35 patients, 20 received cryoanalgesia (57%). Baseline characteristics were similar. Patients who received cryoanalgesia had a lower opioid requirement: median 2.3 mg OME/kg (IQR 1.2-3.1), versus 4.9 mg OME/kg (IQR 2.9-5.8), P < 0.001. Accounting for receipt of cryoanalgesia, epidural, and/or patient-controlled analgesia, cryoanalgesia was associated with a 3.3 mg OME/kg reduction in opioid use (P < 0.001). Median length of stay (LOS) was shorter in cryoanalgesia patients: 3.1 d (IQR 2.3-3.4), versus 5.1 d (IQR 4.3-5.4), P < 0.001. Complications within 90 d were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cryoanalgesia is an effective adjunctive pain control modality for patients undergoing MIRPE. Use of cryoanalgesia was associated with lower postoperative opioid requirements and shorter LOS, without increased short-term complications, and should be considered for enhanced recovery after MIRPE.

Bilateral PECS II Block is Associated with Decreased Opioid Consumption and Reduced Pain Scores for up to 24 hours After Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum (Nuss Procedure): A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVE(S): Compared to the open surgical technique, the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE; Nuss procedure) is a thoracoscopic technique designed to minimize intraoperative tissue damage. It still causes severe postoperative pain due to the insertion and pressure of the retrosternal bar used to raise the sternum and stabilize the chest. This study aimed to identify associations between ultrasound-guided PECS-II block and postoperative analgesia after the Nuss procedure. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study SETTING: Single-center, training and research hospital affiliated with a university PARTICIPANTS: From Jan 1, 2018 to Nov 15, 2021, 171 consecutive patients were identified who underwent MIRPE surgery under general anesthesia. All patients received intravenous (I) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with or without PECS-II blocks for postoperative analgesia. One hundred twenty-five patients who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. INTERVENTIONS: Demand-only morphine intravenous PCA was used for postoperative pain management in the PECS and control groups. Bilateral PECS-II block with 0.25% bupivacaine was performed in to the PECS group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption, calculated as mg/kg of IV morphine. Secondary outcomes included Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores at rest (static) and with movement (dynamic) recorded 1, 4, 8, 12, 24 h after surgery. Postoperative morphine consumption was significantly lower in the PECS group than in the control group over the first 24 hours postoperatively: 0.325 mg/kg vs. 0.425 mg/kg (p<0.001). Static and dynamic NRS values were significantly lower in the PECS group for the first 12 postoperative hours (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral PECS-II block is associated with decreased pain scores for up to 12 hours, and with decreased opioid consumption for up to 24 hours, following minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (Nuss procedure) in adolescents. PECS-II block in this context has not been previously described.

Bilateral Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Pectus Excavatum Surgery: A Retrospective Propensity-Score Study.

OBJECTIVE: Pectus excavatum (PE) repair is burdened by severe postoperative pain. This retrospective study aimed to determine whether the analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) plus standard intravenous analgesia (SIVA) might be superior to SIVA alone in pain control after PE surgical repair via Ravitch or Nuss technique. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: At a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: All participants were scheduled for surgical repair of PE. INTERVENTIONS: From January 2017 to December 2019, all patients who received ESPB plus SIVA or SIVA alone were investigated retrospectively. A 2:1 propensity-score matching analysis considering preoperative variables was used to compare analgesia efficacy in 2 groups. All patients received a 24-hour continuous infusion of tramadol, 0.1 mg/kg/h, and ketorolac, 0.05 mg/kg/h, via elastomeric pump, and morphine, 2 mg, intravenously as a rescue drug. The ESPB group received preoperative bilateral ESPB block. Postoperative pain, reported using a numerical rating scale at 1, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery; the number of required rescue doses; total postoperative morphine milligram equivalents consumption; and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomit were analyzed. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 105 patients were identified for analysis. Propensity-score matching resulted in 38 patients in the SIVA group and 19 patients in the ESPB group. Postoperative pain, the number of rescue doses, and postoperative nausea and vomit incidences were lower in the ESPB group (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Erector spinae plane block may be an effective option for pain management after surgical repair of PE as part of a multimodal approach. This study showed good perioperative analgesia, opioid sparing, and reduced opioid-related adverse effects.

[Correction of pectus excavatum and long-term outcome in adult]. / Korrektsiya voronkoobraznoi deformatsii grudnoi kletki i otdalennye rezul'taty lecheniya u patsienta 50 let.

Pectus excavatum is the most common congenital chest malformation characterized by symmetrical or asymmetric depression of the chest with deformation of the sternocostal complex. Pectus excavatum is often associated with other dysplastic diseases of connective tissue. Ravitch thoracoplasty and Nuss minimally invasive correction are the most common today. The authors report surgical correction of PE in a 50-years-old male who underwent Ravitch modified thoracoplasty with implantation of shape memory plate. Long-term treatment outcomes and technical properties of the plate after removing are analyzed.

Combined robot-assisted mitral valve plasty and Nuss procedure via small ports.

Pectus excavatum (PE) can be associated with cardiac disorders that also require surgical repair. Totally endoscopic robot-assisted mitral valve plasty for mitral valve regurgitation was performed while elevating the sternum with the aid of our original electrical sternum lifting system. Then, the Nuss procedure was performed successfully via small incision. Simultaneous robot-assisted cardiac surgery and the Nuss procedure is effective. Sternal elevation during cardiac surgery is very important for a safe procedure. The Nuss technique prevents perioperative cardiac compression and allows for correction of the pectus deformity with good cosmetic and functional results.

Chondrotomy and sternotomy combined with the Nuss procedure for severe asymmetric pectus excavatum: how to do it.

The correction of severe asymmetric pectus excavatum is still challenging, especially for adults with a rigid thorax. For the repair of asymmetric cases, we introduce our surgical techniques added to the Nuss procedure. Chondrotomy of the depressed and deformed costal cartilage to elevate the depressed side was performed in a 42-year-old female patient. The depressed chest wall was directly elevated using pectus bars. Her sternal rotation angle improved from 27° to 15° after bar removal. In a 26-year-old male patient, oblique sternotomy and chondrotomy were performed. The sternal rotation angle improved from 26° to 9° postoperatively. These techniques were effective for correcting severe asymmetric pectus excavatum in adults.

Analysis of chest wall elevation after the Nuss procedure using 3D body scanning technique in patients with pectus excavatum.

PURPOSE: For the evaluation of the chest wall deformity, we adopted a non-invasive 3D body scanning system. The objective of this study is to evaluate surgical effect on the whole thorax using 3D scanning technique before and after Nuss procedure. METHODS: We performed 3D body scanning using Structure Sensor (Occipital Inc, USA) in 11 symmetric patients (average age 13 ± 3.2) under general anesthesia before and after Nuss procedure. Using the scanned data, the improved chest wall was analyzed using 3D-Rugle (Medic Engineering, Japan) imaging software. Preoperative and postoperative 3D data were super-imposed and a thoracic elevating distance in the line of the axial and sagittal section through the deepest point was calculated. Pre- and postoperative external sternal angle (ESA) were calculated from the scanned data. RESULTS: Mean thoracic elevation distance at the deepest point was 38.6 ± 6.1 mm and it was 28.4 ± 5.1 mm and 19.4 ± 4.9 mm at 4 cm and 8 cm cranial side, respectively. Average ESA improved from 3.9 ± 1.6 degrees to 15.0 ± 1.1 degrees after the operation. CONCLUSION: Chest depression was effectively elevated 39 mm at the deepest point after Nuss procedure. An indirect elevation effect by pectus bars was found on the wide area of the anterior chest.

Failed preoperative vacuum bell therapy does not affect outcomes following minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.

PURPOSE: It is unknown if failed preoperative vacuum bell (VB) treatment in patients undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE), delays repair and/or affects postoperative outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective data analysis including all consecutive patients treated at one single institution undergoing MIRPE was performed between 2000 and 2016. Patients were stratified into preoperative VB therapy versus no previous VB therapy. RESULTS: In total, 127 patients were included. Twenty-seven (21.3%) patients had preoperative VB treatment for 17 months (median, IQR 8-34). All 27 patients stopped VB treatment due to the lack of treatment effect. Eight (47.1%) of 17 assessed VB patients showed signs of skin irritation or hematoma. VB treatment had no effect on length of hospital stay (p = 0.385), postoperative complications (p = 1.0), bar dislocations (p = 1.0), and duration of bar treatment (p = 0.174). Time spent in intensive care unit was shorter in patients with VB therapy (p = 0.007). Long-term perception of treatment including rating of primary operation (p = 0.113), pain during primary operation (p = 0.838), own perspective of look of chest (p = 0.545), satisfaction with the procedure (p = 0.409), and intention of doing surgery again (p = 1.0) were not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Failed preoperative VB therapy had no or minimal effect on short-term outcomes and long-term perceptions following MIRPE.

Multiple organ dysfunction due to a rare complication of Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum: A case report.

A 19-year-old male patient who suffered from sudden and repeated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome one month after the bar removal procedure of Nuss surgery for pectus excavatum was admitted to our department. With organ function supportive treatment, the etiology was finally identified to be a bone spur located at the inner border of the left costa due to repeated friction between the implanted steel bar and the rib, which damaged the heart repeatedly and induced the consequent acute cardiac tamponade. After operation, the patient was successfully managed and discharged. Follow-ups till three years indicated a good recovery.

CARDIAC FUNCTION DURING MINI-INVASIVE REPAIR OF PECTUS EXCAVATUM WITH THE NUSS PROCEDURE.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze cardiac function during Nuss procedure under the combination of general anesthesia with dif f erent variants of the regional block. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The observative prospective study included 60 adolescents (boys/girls=47/13) undergone Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum correction under the combination of general anaesthesia and regional blocks. The patients were randomized into three groups (n=20 in each) according to the perioperative regional analgesia technique: standart epidural anaesthesia (SEA), high epidural anaesthesia (HEA) and bilateral paravertebral anaesthesia (PVA). The following parameters of cardiac function were analyzed: heart rate, estimated cardiac output (esCCO), cardiac index (esCCI), stroke volume (esSV) and stroke volume index (esSVI) using non-invasive monitoring. RESULTS: Results: Induction of anesthesia and regional blocks led to a signif i cant decrease in esCCO (-9.4%) and esCCI (-9.8%), while esSV and esSVI remained almost unchanged in all groups (H=4.9; p=0.09). At this stage, the decrease in cardiac output was mainly due to decreased heart rate. At the stage of sternal elevation we found an increase in esSV, which was more pronounced in the groups of epidural blocks (+23.1% in HEA and +18.5% in SEA). After awakening from anesthesia and tracheal extubation esSV was by 11% higher than before surgery without ingergroup dif f erence. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum correction lead to improved cardiac function. increase in stroke volume and its index were more informative than cardiac output and cardiac index which are dependent on heart rate that is under the inf l uence of anaesthesia technique.

[Intercostal nerve cryoablation in correction of pectus excavatum in adults]. / Krioablyatsiya mezhrebernykh nervov pri korrektsii voronkoobraznoi deformatsii grudnoi kletki u vzroslykh. Pervyi opyt v Rossii.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an effectiveness of cryoanalgesia in older patients with pectus excavatum and to determine feasibility of further research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have developed an original technique of intercostal nerve cryoablation for correction of pectus excavatum in adults. The results of intercostal nerve cryoablation during correction of pectus excavatum in 10 older patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative outcomes were followed-up over a period of 4 - 12 months. There were no perioperative surgical complications. In 1 case, moderate pain syndrome persisted for 3 months after surgery (mean VAS score 2±1.3). In 9 months, mean VAS score was 0.6±0.6 in a month after surgery. CONCLUSION: Intercostal nerve cryoablation in correction of pectus excavatum in adults may be an alternative to the current methods of regional analgesia. Further research is requried to achieve objective information.

The use of lung ultrasound compared to chest X-ray to diagnose pneumothorax following the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum repair in children.

BACKGROUND: Pectus Excavatum is the most common deformation of the skeletal chest wall, and the Nuss procedure is used to correct this deformation. Residual pneumothorax is a frequent postoperative complication after thoracoscopy. Primary aim of this prospective observational study was to compare the level of agreement among readers using lung ultrasound and chest X-ray. METHODS: This was an inter-reader single-center prospective observational agreement study for lung ultrasound and chest X-ray. Three lung ultrasound evaluations were performed at the end of surgery in the operating room by two Consultant Anesthesiologist (A1 and A2) and by a medical student (A3). Chest X-ray was interpreted by a consultant Radiologist (R1) and a pool of 11 radiologists (collectively named R2). Cohen's kappa was used to evaluate the level of agreement between the two imaging techniques. RESULTS: Sixty-eight pediatric patients were included in the study. The overall agreement among (A = Anesthesiologist) A1, A2, A3, (R = Radiologist) R1, and R2 in assessing pneumothorax was fair (k = 0.32; 95% CI 0.21-0.40). The stratified analysis showed moderate inter-reader agreement among lung ultrasound readers A1, A2, and A3 (k 0.58; 95% CI 0.44-0.71), as opposed to the fair agreement found among chest X-ray readers R1 and R2 (k = 0.39; 95% CI 0.18-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the use of lung ultrasound to diagnose pneumothorax after Nuss procedure. We found that the inter-reader accuracy was better with ultrasound compared to X-ray at our institution.

Can plain chest X-ray replace computed tomography for the follow-up of children who have undergone the Nuss procedure?

PURPOSE: To establish whether new indices on plain chest X-ray (CXR) can replace those on computed tomography (CT) for the follow-up of children who have undergone the Nuss procedure. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective study were 45 children who underwent the Nuss procedure between 2000 and 2016. The Haller index (HI) was measured by preoperative CT. Preoperative and postoperative chest deformities were evaluated by two CXR measurements: the concave rate on the lateral view (CR; the depth of the concavity divided by the anterior-posterior diameter of the rib cage) and the tracheal bifurcation angle (TBA) on the anterior view. Data are expressed as the median with range. RESULTS: The median age and HI of the children, when they underwent the Nuss procedure, was 9.3 (3.8-17.3) years and 4.5 (3.2-10.1), respectively. The preoperative CR was correlated significantly with the HI. The postoperative CR was significantly lower than the preoperative CR [pre: 0.17 (0.08-0.37), post: 0.09 (0.01-0.18), p < 0.05], and the low value was sustained after bar removal. The TBA decreased significantly after the Nuss procedure from 74.2° (55-104) preoperatively to 65.0° (45-92) postoperatively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CXR can replace CT for the follow-up of patients after the Nuss procedure, with lower radiation exposure.

Combining the use of Nuss procedure and rib fixation for severe flail chest: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Severe flail chest is a life-threatening situation. The Nuss procedure is a new effective treatment for severe flail chest patients who cannot be weaned from prolonged mechanical ventilation in the last few years. However, the procedure is not suitable when there are multiple fractures in both the anterior and lateral chest walls. Here, we reported a rare case of severe flail chest in a patient who suffered multiple fractures in both the anterior and lateral chest walls in a traffic accident. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old patient suffered severe flail chest by a steering wheel in a traffic accident with multiple fractures in both the anterior and lateral chest walls. In the beginning, the patient was administrated with mechanical ventilation because of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) for more than 1 week. Then the patient suffered from a severe lung infection and decreased blood oxygen saturation. After a multidiscipline discussion (MDT), three rib fixation plates were first used to rebuild the stability of lateral chest walls, then two Nuss bars were inserted to eliminate paradoxical movement in the anterior chest wall. Finally, the patient recovered smoothly after the combining procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Severe flail chest patients with both the anterior and lateral chest walls after trauma are in a life-threatening situation, and require an appropriate procedure to get out of danger in time. Rib fixation is an effective treatment when the fractured sites are few and the fractured area is small. The Nuss procedure is a new effective method for severe flail chest with multiple fractures in an anterior chest wall, which is also a minimally invasive and short time-consuming procedure. However, it does not suitable for the patient with multiple fractures in lateral chest walls. Combining the use of Nuss procedure and rib fixation can solve severe flail chest with multiple ribs and sternum fractures in both the anterior and lateral chest walls, and the outcome of this procedure is satisfying in the present rare case.

The incidence of neuropathic pain after intercostal cryoablation during the Nuss procedure.

PURPOSE: Intercostal nerve cryoblation during the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum decreases pain, opiate requirement, and hospital length of stay (LOS) compared to thoracic epidural analgesia. However, long-term complications of cryoablation, including neuropathic pain development, are not well studied. METHODS: We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective review of patients following intercostal nerve cryoablation during Nuss bar insertion (11/2015-7/2018). Patients completed the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs, a validated questionnaire for detecting neuropathic symptoms. Primary outcome was neuropathic pain development. Secondary outcomes included duration of chest numbness and LOS. T test was performed; p < 0.05 is significant. RESULTS: 43 patients underwent intercostal cryoablation during the Nuss procedure. Ages at repair ranged 11-47 years (median 16). Patients were grouped by age: ≤ 21 years (30 patients) or older (13 patients). Mean LOS was shorter for the younger group, 2.0 versus 3.9 days (p = 0.03). No patients in the younger group, and three in the older, experienced neuropathic pain. Mean time to numbness resolution was shorter for the younger group, 3.4 versus 10.8 months (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: In pediatric patients, intercostal cryoablation provides effective analgesia following the Nuss procedure with minimal risk of post-operative neuropathic pain. Adult patients are at greater risk of experiencing neuropathic pain and prolonged numbness.