Does a high Haller index influence outcomes in pectus excavatum repair?

OBJECTIVE

Severity for pectus excavatum includes Haller index (HI) > 3.25. An extremely high HI (≥8) may influence surgical approach and complications. This study reviews outcomes of patients with high HI after repair.

METHODS

A single institution retrospective analysis was performed on adult patients with HI ≥ 8 undergoing pectus excavatum repairs. For outcomes, a propensity score-matched control group with a HI ≤ 4 was utilized.

RESULTS

In total, 64 cases (mean age, 33.5 ± 10.9 years; HI, 13.1 ± 5.0; 56% women) were included. A minimally invasive repair was successful in 84%. A hybrid procedure was performed in the remaining either to repair fractures of the ribs (8 patients) and sternum (5 patients) or when osteotomy and/or cartilage resection was required (10 patients). In comparison with the matched cohort (HI ≤ 4), patients with high HI had longer operative times (171 vs 133 minutes; P < .001), more frequently required hybrid procedures (16% vs 2%; P = .005), experienced higher incidences of rib (22% vs 3%; P = .001) and sternal fractures (12% vs 0%; P = .003), and had increased repair with 3 bars (50% vs 19%; P < .001). There were no significant differences between the groups for length of hospital stay or postoperative 30-day complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with an extremely high HI can be challenging cases with greater risks of fracture and need for osteotomy/cartilage resection. Despite this, minimally invasive repair techniques can be utilized in most cases without increased complications when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Risk Factors and Techniques for Safe Pectus Bar Removal in Adults After Modified Nuss Repair

BACKGROUND

The Nuss repair involves implants designed for removal after 2 to 3 years. Although rare, significant complications can occur with bar removal, and the incidence of these complications may be higher in adults. This study was performed to review complications and risk factors associated with bar removal and discuss strategies to improve operative safety.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed including all patients after pectus excavatum repair who underwent Nuss implant removal at Mayo Clinic Arizona (Phoenix, AZ) from 2013 to 2022.

RESULTS

In total, 1555 bars were removed (683 patients; 71% men; median age, 34 years[(range, 15-71 years]). Of the removals, 12.45% of patients had bars placed at outside institutions. Major complications were rare, with bleeding most common (2.05%), followed by pneumothorax (0.88%), infection (0.59%), and effusions (0.44%). Most major bleeding (85.71%) occurred from the bar track during removal and was controlled by packing the track. One patient required subsequent hematoma evacuation and transfusion. Bleeding secondary to lung injury was also successfully controlled with packing. Bar removal in 1 patient with significantly displaced bars required sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass as a result of aortic injury. Risk factors identified for bleeding included sternal erosion (P < .001), bar migration (P < .001), higher number of bars (P = .037), and revision of a previous pectus repair (P = 0.001). Bar migration was additionally associated with major complications (P < .001). Older age, although a risk factor for overall complications (P = 0.001), was not a risk factor for bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Bar removal can be safely performed in most patients; however, significant complications, including bleeding, may occur. Identifying potential risk factors and being prepared for rescue maneuvers are critical to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Gender differences in objective measures of adult patients presenting for pectus excavatum repair

BACKGROUND

Women have a reported incidence of pectus deformities 4-5 times less than men. Gender differences have not been well studied.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of adult patients (≥18 years) who underwent a pectus excavatum repair at Mayo Clinic in Arizona (January 1, 2010-December 31, 2019).

RESULTS

In total, 776 adults underwent pectus repair with 30% being women. Women presented older (mean age 35 vs 32 years, p=0.007) and more symptomatic. Despite this, women performed better on cardiopulmonary exercise testing (higher VO2 max and O2 pulse). Women had more severe deformities (Haller index 5.9 vs 4.3, p<0.001). However, in 609 patients undergoing attempted primary minimally invasive pectus repair, intraoperative fractures/osteotomies occurred equally between genders with the majority occurring in patients ≥30 years of age (11.5% in ≥30, 1.7% in <30, total 7%). Women were also less likely to require 3 bars for repair (12% vs 42%, p<0.001). Hospital length of stay and postoperative complication rates were not significantly different. Postoperatively women reported a greater daily intensity of pain, but only on the initial postoperative day used significantly more opioids than men. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in 142 patients undergoing baseline and postoperative evaluation at bar removal showed equal and significant benefits in both genders.

CONCLUSIONS

Women presented for pectus excavatum repair older and with greater symptoms and severity. Despite this, women required fewer bars, with no significant differences in length of stay or complications. Cardiopulmonary benefits of repair were significant and equal for both genders.

Revision of failed, recurrent or complicated pectus excavatum after Nuss, Ravitch or cardiac surgery

Pectus excavatum (PE) can recur after both open and minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) techniques. The cause of recurrence may differ based on the initial repair procedure performed. Recurrence risks for the open repair are due to factors which include incomplete previous repair, repair at too young of age, excessive dissection, early removal or lack of support structures, and incomplete healing of the chest wall. For patients presenting after failed or recurrent primary MIRPE repair, issues with support bars including placement, number, migration, and premature removal can all be associated with failure. Connective tissue disorders can complicate and increase recurrence risk in both types of PE repairs. Identifying the factors that contributed to the previous procedure's failure is critical for prevention of another recurrence. A combination of surgical techniques may be necessary to successfully repair some patients.