[NUSS procedure by video-assisted thoracoscopy for correction of pectus excavatum].
OBJECTIVE
To review the management of NUSS procedure by video-assisted thoracoscopy for the correction of pectus excavatum in 18 patients, and to prevent and treat some complications.


METHODS
Eighteen patients with severe pectus excavatum underwent NUSS procedure by video-assisted thoracoscopy from December 2006 to September 2007.


RESULTS
The operation time ranged from 30 to 70 min ( average 45 min). Good Results were achieved for all patients after the operation. All of them recovered and were discharged 5 approximately 7 days after the operation. Minor complications occurred in 2 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
NUSS procedure is microinvasive and has beautiful outlook with shorter operation time and simple handling.The minimally invasive technique has a low complication rate with satisfactory short-term result. Proper management is important for the recovery at the early postoperative stage.
Liu
Wen-liang
WL
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China. liuwenliang1859@163.com
Yu
Feng-lei
FL
Yin
Bang-liang
BL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005660:Funnel Chest / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*