Minimally Invasive Nuss Procedure

Overview and Facts about a Minimally Invasive Nuss Procedure

The minimally invasive Nuss procedure is a way for doctors to correct pectus excavatum. In pectus excavatum, the breastbone and ribs grow abnormally, causing the breastbone to cave in. This can cause issues with the lungs and heart.

During this thoracic surgery, the surgeon helps to realign the caved-in breastbone with the help of a metal bar. Because it’s minimally invasive, it is not necessary to make a large incision on your chest.

Instead, surgeons only need to make two small incisions. This procedure protects the heart and lungs and makes recovery easier.

What to Expect with a Minimally Invasive Nuss Procedure

When you arrive for surgery, you'll receive anesthesia to make you unconscious for the procedure. During the procedure, your surgeon will make two small cuts on either side of the chest.

Then they will insert a small camera to guide them as they insert a curved metal bar into the chest. Once it’s in the right place under the breastbone, they will turn the bar to help press it into the right position.

To keep the bar from shifting around, the surgeon will secure it with wire, stitches or a metal plate called a stabilizer. After everything is secure, the surgeon will close the incisions.

You'll be in the hospital for four to five days and will need several more weeks for a full recovery.

What are the Side Effects of a Minimally Invasive Nuss Procedure?

The main side effect of the minimally invasive Nuss procedure is pain, but your doctor may prescribe you pain medication to help. Other side effects include:

• Being unable to lay on either side of the body because of the pressure of the bar (this will lessen over time)
• Trouble breathing because of the bar (this should improve in a few weeks to months)

As the bar settles into your body, side effects will become easier to manage as your body adjusts. Depending on your needs, the bar may need to stay in place for two to four years before you have it removed.

What are the Risks of a Minimally Invasive Nuss Procedure?

There are a few risks for the minimally invasive Nuss procedure. As with all thoracic surgeries, you’re at risk for:

• Anesthesia complications, such as stroke or death
• Infection of the wound
• Internal bleeding

However, one risk specific to the Nuss procedure is having long-term pain. If this happens, your doctor may be able to make suggestions on how to manage your pain.

The bar can also move out of place and damage the lungs or heart. If this occurs, you will need surgery to reposition the bar and repair the injury.