Modification of the Nuss procedure: the crossed bar technique for new subtypes of pectus excavatum

Abstract

BackgroundWe aim to describe four new subtypes of PE in detail and represent modification of the Nuss procedure called crossed bar technique for their optimum correction with good results.Methods101 patients who underwent crossed bar technique between August 2005 and February 2022 were included into the study.ResultsThe mean age of the patient series was 21.1 (range 15-38 years) years. Mean Haller index was 3.87. Mean operation duration was 86.84 min. 2 bars were used in 74 (73.3%) of the patients whereas 3 bars were preferred in 27 (26.7%) of them. Mean hospital stay was 4.1 (2-8) days, and all the patients were seen routinely on postoperative follow-up at 1st, 6th, and 18th months. Quality of life questionnaires revealed satisfaction.ConclusionsCross bar technique yields satisfactory results for these new subtypes and can be performed safely with good results in these selected group of patients.