Revision of Failed Prior Nuss in Adult Patients With Pectus Excavatum

Ann Thorac Surg. 2018 Feb;105(2):371-378. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2017.08.051. Epub 2017 Dec 2.

Abstract

Background: Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) has been extended to repair of defects in adults, with reported higher complication rates and outcome failures. The optimal revision for a prior failed MIRPE in an adult has not been identified. We review our experience for this adult population.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 129 patients (age ≥18 years) who underwent revision after a failed pectus excavatum (PE) repair from December 2010 through December 2016.

Results: In total, 47 of the 129 (36%) revision patients had a prior failed MIRPE, with 98% presenting for revision because of inadequate correction after their initial repair. The median age was 28 years (range, 18 to 54 years), and 77% were men. Thirty-one (66%) patients had indwelling pectus support bars at the revision procedure. Mean time from initial MIRPE to the revision procedure was 3.34 ± 2.9 years. A modified MIRPE was successful in 39 (83%) patients. Hybrid repair with the addition of osteotomy cuts and/or titanium plating was required in 8 patients for an adequate revision. Multiple (2 bars, 62%; 3 bars, 38%), shorter (median, 13.5 inches versus 15.0 inches) bars were used for the revision versus earlier repair. Substantial lysis of intrathoracic adhesions was required in 40 (85%) patients, with a median operative time for revision MIRPE of 169 ± 66 minutes; median operative time for hybrid procedures, 314 ± 74 minutes.

Conclusions: A modified MIRPE can be successfully used in most adults to revise a failed prior MIRPE.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Funnel Chest / diagnosis
  • Funnel Chest / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Operative Time
  • Osteotomy / methods*
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thoracic Wall / diagnostic imaging
  • Thoracic Wall / surgery*
  • Thoracoplasty / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Failure
  • Young Adult