Nuss procedure

Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive procedure, invented in 1987 by Dr. Donald Nuss for treating pectus excavatum. He developed it at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, in Norfolk, Virginia. The operation typically takes approximately two hours.

Procedure

During the procedure, a curved metal bar is inserted under the sternum, in order to raise it. The bar is left in place for two years and is then removed. This procedure is most common in children because their bones are more flexible, however it can also be used in adults.

Indications

The Nuss procedure is indicated for patients with severe pectus excavatum, especially those experiencing related symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or exercise intolerance.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, the Nuss procedure carries risks including infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Specific to this procedure, complications may include bar displacement, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and wound infection.

Recovery

Post-operative care involves pain management and physical therapy to help the patient return to normal activities. The bar is typically removed in a separate procedure about two years after the initial operation.

See Also

• Pectus excavatum
• Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters
• Minimally invasive procedure

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  X-ray image showing the Nuss procedure
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  Illustration related to the Nuss procedure