Original bar fixation technique in minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum in adolescents: A 36-case series

Abstract

In pectus excavatum, minimally invasive endoscopic repair is the current gold standard in adolescents. The main postoperative pitfall is bar displacement, making fixation a major issue. We report an original transcostal technique using absorbable USP-2 suture in 36 patients. There was a single case of bar displacement (2.78%; 95% CI: 0.07-14.53). Bar stability was comparable to literature reports; but the present technique avoided the complications potentially incurred by use of metal wire, pericostal fixation points and stabilizers.

Keywords: Bar fixation; Minimally invasive surgery; Nuss procedure; Pectus excavatum.