Pectus excavatum treatment with the Nuss procedure: comparative results in pediatric and adult patients – experiences of a single physician

Abstract

Introduction and aim. Pectus excavatum (PE) is a chest wall deformity characterized by a collapse of the rib cage. The Nuss procedure, originally intended for pediatric patients, is now also used in adults. The main aim of this study is to investigate whether the Nuss procedure can also lead to successful results in adult patients, although it is a widely used treatment method in pediatric patients. Material and methods. Data from 90 patients (October 2008-May 2020) included age, gender, preoperative findings, Haller index, operative details, and postoperative outcomes. The groups were divided into pediatric (<18 years) and adult (≥18 years) patients. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were used to assess group differences. Results. The adult group had a significantly higher bar length and preoperative complaints rate (p>0.05). Conclusion. The Nuss procedure is safe and effective in both pediatric and adult PE patients. Age and preoperative symptoms influence surgical planning and outcomes, emphasizing their importance for treatment strategies.