Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of modified technique for removing Nuss bar after Nuss procedure.
Methods: We reviewed 186 patients undergoing bar removal after repair of pectus excavatum with Nuss procedure at our institution from December 2008 to February 2012. All patients had unilateral incision (metallic stabilizers have been used on one side in all patients). Under general anesthesia with single lumen tracheal tube or laryngeal mask, with the patient lying down in supine position, the bar was pulled out along the thoracic wall without overturning or straightening.
Results: Totally 132 patients (71.0%) had the bar removed 2 years after the Nuss procedure, 1 (0.5%) removed within 1 year and 53 (28.5%) removed over 2 and half years. The operation time for bar removal was 9-20 (13.1 ± 3.4) min, and the operative blood loss was 3-20 (5.2 ± 2.7) mL. There was no hemorrhage. Three patients (1.6%) developed mild pneumothorax and none showed infection of incision after the operation. All patients were discharged 1 day after the surgery and followed up for 4-48 (21.4 ± 6.8) months. Recurrence was found in the one who which had the bar removed within 1 year (0.5%).
Conclusion: With modified procedures, Nuss bar can be easily and safely removed 2 years or longer after the Nuss operation. After removing the metallic stabilizer, the bar should be turned and then pulled out along the original surgical incision without bending or turning.