Early results following the Nuss operation for pectus excavatum--a single-institution experience of 383 patients.

The prevalence of pectus excavatum is low but many patients are disabled from this thoracic deformity. The Nuss operation is a well-established surgical correction, however, until recently it has been rarely used in Europe. We have performed the Nuss operation regularly between 2001 and 2006 where a total of 383 patients were operated on for pectus excavatum. The indication for surgery was disabling cosmetic appearance as described by the patient. Patient records were reviewed for retrospective analysis. The median age was 16 years (range 7-43) and 86% were males. A satisfactory peri-operative result was achieved in all but one patient with one pectus bar (81%), two bars (19%) and three bars in one patient. Postoperative complications included bleeding, pleural effusion, seroma and deep infection. Seven patients were reoperated because the bar dislocated. At present the bars have been removed in 73 patients and their final result was excellent in all but one. The Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum can be implemented with excellent early results and few complications. There is a surprisingly high demand for surgical correction of pectus excavatum and the number of referred patients continues to increase as patients learn about the ease of this procedure and its excellent results.