The application of CT scan in Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum

Objective To study the application CT scans in Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum. Metlhods 648 children with pectus excavatum underwent Nuss procedure from July 2002 to September 2008 The preoperative CT scan was carried out for evaluation of the deformity degree and morphology classification of chest wall malformation, the deformity in relation with adjacent tissue and associated different disorder. Results Nuss procedure was successfully performed in all 648 patients. The preoperative CT scan showed medium deformity of the pectus excavatum in 73 cases ( 11.27% ) and severe deformity in 575 cases (88.73%). Morphologic classification of the pectus excavatum were symmetric type in 407cases (62.81% ) , eccentric type in 83( 12.81% ) ,and unbalanced type in 158( 24.38% ). 116 cases with pectus excavatum were associated with other different disorders, among them 55 cases ( 17.9% )were diagnosed by CT scan. 28 cases received stimultanously operation for their abnormalities. Conclusion CT scan is a useful tool for evaluation the deformity degree and morphology classification, direct the operation, reduce the complications and find other different disorders. It should be a routine examination before Nuss procedure. Key words: Pectus excavatum;  Tomography, X-ray computer;  Nuss procedure