Background: The Nuss procedure is the only implant procedure in which routine, rather than selective, preoperative patch testing is recommended. This practice has recently been called into question.
Objective: To evaluate an updated experience of pre-implant patch testing in patients undergoing the Nuss procedure.
Methods: A retrospective chart review of Nuss procedures from 2012 through 2020.
Results: Forty-five patients were identified for data collection. From 2012 to 2014, none of the 14 patients were patch tested. From 2015 to 2020, 26 of 31 (83.9%) were patch tested. Of those tested, only 2 had a positive patch test. A hypoallergenic titanium bar was inserted in each case. In total, there were zero bar reactions.
Conclusion: The risks of patch testing are extremely small and should be weighed against the serious implications of even one bar allergy when deciding on future guidelines.
Keywords: allergy; dermatitis-contact; surgery.
© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.