Nuss procedure by Video-assisted thoracoscopy for the correction of recurred pectus excavatum

Objective:To investigate the short-term effects of minimally invasive repair of recurred pectus excavatum.Methods:Eight patients were all treated with Nuss procedure,which were performed under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation.A transverse incision was made in each lateral chest wall and a steel bar was passed under the sternum from the right thoracic cavity under thoracoscope,then the bar was turned over to raise the sternum to the normal position.The bar was fixed to ribs by using one stabilizing bar.Results:Eight cases all got the successful operation.The operation time ranged from 30 to 70 min(average 45 min) and the post-operative hospital stay ranged from 5 to 7 days.The post-operative pain were less than 3 days and without pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema.No unilateral stabilizing bar displacement and incision infection were found.Conclusion:The Nuss procedure is safe and effective for the correction of recurred pectus excavatum with good short-term results.