Robert J. Obermeyer

One hundred patients with recurrent pectus excavatum repaired via the minimally invasive Nuss technique—effective in most regardless of initial operative approach

PURPOSE Controversy exists as to the best operative approach to use in patients with failed pectus excavatum (PE) repair. We examined our institutional experience with redo minimally invasive PE repair along with the unique issues related to each technique. METHODS We conducted an institutional review board-approved review of a prospectively gathered database of all patients who underwent minimally invasive repair of PE. RESULTS From June 1987 to January 2010, 100 patients underwent minimally invasive repair for recurrent PE. Previous repairs included 42 Ravitch (RAV) procedures, 51 Nuss (NUS) procedures, 3 Leonard procedures, and 4 with previous NUS and RAV repairs. The median Haller index at reoperation was 4.99 (range, 2.4-20). Fifty-five percent of RAV patients and 25% of NUS patients required 2 or more bars (P = .01). Two RAV patients had intraoperative nonfatal cardiac arrest owing to thoracic chondrodystrophy--1 at insertion and 1 upon removal. Bar displacements occurred in 12% RAV and 7.8% NUS patients (P = .05). Overall reoperation for bar displacement is 9%. CONCLUSIONS The minimally invasive NUS technique is safe and effective for the correction of recurrent PE. Patients with prior NUS repair can have extensive pleural adhesions necessitating decortication during secondary repair. Patients with a previous RAV repair may have acquired thoracic chondrodystrophy that may require a greater number of pectus bars to be placed at secondary repair and greater risk for complications. We have a greater than 95% success rate regardless of initial repair technique.

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum in patients with Marfan syndrome and marfanoid features

PURPOSE The presence of a pectus excavatum (PE) requiring surgical repair is a major skeletal feature of Marfan syndrome. Marfanoid patients have phenotypic findings but do not meet all diagnostic criteria. We sought to examine the clinical and management differences between Marfan syndrome patients and those who are marfanoid compared with all other patients undergoing minimally invasive PE repair. METHODS A retrospective institutional review board-approved review was conducted of a prospectively gathered database of all patients who underwent minimally invasive repair of PE. Patients were grouped according to diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MAR), Marfanoid appearance (OID), and all others (ALL). Patient demographics, preoperative imaging and testing, operative strategy, complications, and postoperative surveys were evaluated. Fishers Exact test and chi(2) were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS From June 1987 to September 2008, 1192 patients underwent minimally invasive PE repair (MAR = 33, OID = 212, ALL = 947). There was a significantly higher proportion of females with either MAR or OID who underwent repair (21.5%vs 15.5%, P = .04). The MAR patients had significantly more severe PE determined by computed tomography index (MAR = 8.75, OID = 5.82, ALL = 4.94, P < .0001) and required multiple pectus bars (> or =2) to be placed during operation (MAR = 58%, OID = 36%, ALL = 29%, P = .001). There was a trend toward higher wound infection rates in MAR patients (MAR = 6%, OID = 1.4%, ALL = 1.3%, P = .07). The recurrence rate was similar among all groups (MAR = 0%, OID = 2%, ALL = 0.7%, P = .12). Successful outcome from surgeon perspective in either MAR or OID patients was similar to ALL (98%vs 98%, P = .88) and correlated well with patient satisfaction after repair (96%vs 95%, P = .43). CONCLUSIONS Minimally invasive PE repair is safe in patients with Marfan syndrome or marfanoid features with equally good results. Patients with Marfan syndrome have clinically more severe PE requiring multiple bars for chest repair and may have slightly higher wound infection rates. Patients are satisfied with minimally invasive repair despite a phenotypically more severe chest wall defect.

Regional chest wall motion dysfunction in patients with pectus excavatum demonstrated via optoelectronic plethysmography

BACKGROUND Paradoxical chest wall motion is recognized clinically in pectus excavatum (PE). We report chest wall volume and motion differences between PE patients and unaffected individuals. METHODS A prospective, institutional review board-approved study compared nonoperated PE patients with normal controls (C). Subjects had deep breathing maneuvers captured by infrared cameras. Chest wall volume and excursion were calculated using optoelectronic plethysmography marker reconstruction combined with proprietary software (BTS Bioengineering, Milan, Italy). RESULTS One hundred nineteen patients underwent optoelectronic plethysmography analysis (PE: 64, C: 5). Total chest wall volume at rest was similar in both groups (PE: 13.6 L, C: 14.1 L, P = .55). During maximal inspiration, PE patients had a significant increase in the volume within the abdominal rib cage compartment (PE: 0.77 L, C: 0.6 L, P < .01). Patients with PE had 51% less midline marker excursion at the angle of Louis (P < .01), a 46% decrease at the level of the nipples (P < .01), and 28% less excursion at the xiphoid process (P = .02). At the level of the umbilicus, PE patients had 147% increase in midline marker excursion compared with controls (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Optoelectronic plethysmography kinematic analysis allows for quantification of focal chest wall motion dysfunction. Patients with PE demonstrate significantly decreased chest wall motion at the area of the pectus defect and increased abdominal contributions to respiration compared with controls. This finding may help to explain exertional symptoms of easy fatigability or shortness of breath in PE.

Chest Wall Deformities in Pediatric Surgery

Chest wall deformities can be divided into 2 main categories, congenital and acquired. Congenital chest wall deformities may present any time between birth and early adolescence. Acquired chest wall deformities typically follow prior chest surgery or a posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia repair (Bochdalek). The most common chest wall deformities are congenital pectus excavatum (88%) and pectus carinatum (5%). This article addresses the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and management of these deformities.

Optoelectronic plethysmography demonstrates abrogation of regional chest wall motion dysfunction in patients with pectus excavatum after Nuss repair

PURPOSE We previously demonstrated that patients with pectus excavatum (PE) have significantly decreased chest wall motion at the pectus defect compared with the rest of the chest vs unaffected individuals and use abdominal respiratory contributions to compensate for decreased upper chest wall motion. We hypothesize that PE repair will reverse chest wall motion dysfunction. METHODS A prospective, institutional review board-approved study compared patients with PE before and after Nuss repair. Informed consent was obtained before motion analysis. Sixty-four patients with uncorrected PE ages 10 to 21 years underwent optoelectronic plethysmography analysis. Repeat analysis was performed in 42 patients 6 months postoperative (PO). RESULTS Volume of the chest wall and its subdivisions were calculated. Total chest wall volume at rest was significantly increased after repair and in each thoracic compartment. PO patients developed increased midline marker excursion at the pectus defect and significantly decreased excursion at the level of the umbilicus. CONCLUSIONS Optoelectronic plethysmography kinematic analysis demonstrates that chest wall remodeling during Nuss repair results in increased thoracic volume. Chest wall motion dysfunction at the pectus defect is reversed after Nuss repair. Abdominal respiratory contributions are also markedly decreased. These findings may help to explain why patients with PE report an improvement in endurance after the Nuss procedure.

High rates of metal allergy amongst Nuss procedure patients dictate broader pre-operative testing.

PURPOSE A previous study from our group estimated that as few as 2.2% of pectus excavatum patients suffered from allergy to the implanted metal bar. We sought to assess recent changes in incidence of metal allergy and identify the benefit of metal allergy testing prior to surgery. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all consenting patients undergoing pectus repair during the six years between 9/2004 and 12/2010 at our institution. Incidence was based on clinical symptoms and/or T.R.U.E.® patch testing. Demographic data, history of atopy and history of metal allergy were collected. Type and number of bars used, suture site infection, skin rash and wound infection rates were reviewed. RESULTS Forty one of 639 patients (6.4%) had clinical or patch test evidence of metal allergy. Family history of metal allergy and pre-operative history of metal sensitivity were found to be statistically significant correlates. CONCLUSIONS The rate of metal allergy in the pectus excavatum population may be higher than previously reported. Patient or family history of metal allergy or metal sensitization may indicate increased risk. Metal allergy testing should be performed before Nuss procedure.

Risk factors and management of Nuss bar infections in 1717 patients over 25 years

PURPOSE An increase in postoperative infections after Nuss procedures led us to seek risks and review management. We report potential risk factors and make inferences for prevention of infections. METHODS An IRB-approved retrospective chart review was used to evaluate demographic, clinical, surgical, and postoperative variables of patients operated on between 10/1/2005 and 6/30/2013. Those with postoperative infection were evaluated for infection characteristics, management, and outcomes with univariate analyses. RESULTS Over this 8-year period (2005-2013), 3.5% (30) of 854 patients developed cellulitis or infection, significantly more than 1.5% (13) in our previous report of 863 patients, 1987-2005 (p=.007). The most frequent organism cultured was methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Patients who were given clindamycin preoperatively (5 of 26 patients) had higher infection rates than those who received cefazolin (25 of 828) (19% vs 3%, p<.001). Patients treated with a peri-incisional ON-Q (I-Flow, Kimberly-Clark, Irvine, CA) also had higher infection rates (8.3% vs 2.4%, p<.001). Of the 30 patients who developed an infection, eighteen (60%) with cellulitis or superficial infections did not require surgical treatment or early bar removal. The other twelve patients (40%) with deep hardware infections required an average of 2.2 operations (range 1-6), with 3 (25%) requiring removal of their stabilizer and 3 (25%) requiring early bar removal. None of these three patients experienced recurrence of pectus excavatum at 2 to 4 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION Preoperative antibiotic selection and use of ON-Qs may influence infection rates after Nuss repair. Nuss bars could be preserved in 90% of all patients with an infection and even 75% of those with a deep hardware infection. Attempts to retain the bar when an infection occurs may help prevent pectus excavatum recurrence. Level of Evidence=III.

Nonoperative management of pectus excavatum with vacuum bell therapy: A single center study

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine variables predictive of an excellent correction using vacuum bell therapy for nonoperative treatment of pectus excavatum. METHODS A single institution, retrospective evaluation (IRB 15-01-WC-0024) of variables associated with an excellent outcome in pectus excavatum patients treated with vacuum bell therapy was performed. An excellent correction was defined as a chest wall depth equal to the mean depth of a reference group of 30 male children without pectus excavatum. RESULTS Over 4years (11/2012-11/2016) there were 180 patients enrolled with 115 available for analysis in the treatment group. The reference group had a mean chest wall depth of 0.51cm. An excellent correction (depth≤0.51cm) was achieved in 23 (20%) patients. Patient characteristics predictive of an excellent outcome included initial age≤11years (OR=3.3,p=.013), initial chest wall depth≤1.5cm (OR=4.6,p=.003), and chest wall flexibility (OR=14.8,p<.001). Patients that used the vacuum bell over 12 consecutive months were more likely to achieve an excellent correction (OR=3.1,p=.030). Follow-up was 4months to 4years (median 12months). CONCLUSION Nonoperative management of pectus excavatum with vacuum bell therapy results in an excellent correction in a small percentage of patients. Variables predictive of an excellent outcome include age≤11years, chest wall depth≤1.5cm, chest wall flexibility, and vacuum bell use over 12 consecutive months. TYPE OF STUDY Retrospective chart review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III treatment study.

Pulmonary function in pectus excavatum patients before repair with the Nuss procedure

ABSTRACT Objectives: Whether the origin of symptoms in pectus excavatum patients (Pex) is related to reduced pulmonary function or impaired cardiovascular performance is debatable. However, pulmonary function testing (PFT) is still part of the evaluation prior to surgical repair in Pex. The purpose of this study was to corroborate our hypothesis that the majority of Pex that qualified for surgery present preoperatively with normal or close to normal PFT. Methods: After institutional review board approval, preoperative PFT data of Pex who underwent surgical repair were analyzed retrospectively: total lung capacity (TLC), vital capacity (VC), functional residual capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and maximal expiratory flow at 25% of FVC (MEF25). Results: 82 patients aged from 9 to 27 years (average, 15 years) underwent PFT. A restrictive pattern (VC<80%) was observed in 45%, an obstructive pattern (FEV1 < 75 %) in 35%, and a normal total lung capacity in 62% of the Pex. No significant correlation was noted between the increasing severity of the Haller index and the PFT. Conclusion: Adolescent Pex without relevant respiratory symptoms have nearly a normal lung function. We suggest to skip PFT from the routine preoperative assessment in asymptomatic Pex.

The physiologic impact of pectus excavatum repair

The adverse physiologic effects of pectus excavatum and subsequent resolution following correction have been a subject of controversy. There are numerous accounts of patients reporting subjective improvement in exercise tolerance after surgery, but studies showing clear and consistent objective data to corroborate this phenomenon physiologically have been elusive. This is partially due to a lack of consistent study methodologies but even more so due to a mere paucity of data. As experts in the repair of pectus excavatum, it is not uncommon for pediatric surgeons to operate on adult patients. For this reason, this review evaluates the contemporary literature to provide an understanding of the physiologic impact of repairing pectus excavatum on pediatric and adult patients separately.