• What age is best to have a NUSS procedure?

  The repair of pectus excavatum with a minimally invasive Nuss procedure has the most optimal results when done between the ages of 10 and 20 years of age.

•  How do I know if I am a candidate?

  If you have pectus excavatum (sunken chest) we will ask you to have 3 tests to determine if you are a candidate for a NUSS procedure.  They are a CT scan of the chest with a Haller index, a pulmonary consultation with pulmonary function studies, and a cardiology consultation with a cardiac ECHO.

• Is it very painful?

The operation does involve discomfort.  However, we have an outstandingly gifted pain management team at Children’s Hospital of San Diego that follow the protocol to the letter established by Dr. Donald Nuss and the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia in order for our West Coast patients to have a pain-free experience.

• How long will I be in the hospital?
     

  The normal hospital stay is 5 days post operatively.

                        

• How long will my recovery be?
   

  We expect you to be recovering for approximately 4 weeks, with minimal activities during that time period.

• When can I get back to normal activities, especially sports that I enjoy?

   The first 4-6 weeks after surgery are critical for healing. After six weeks you may start doing cardiovascular exercises and lower body strengthening. After 3 months, most sports may resume. 

• How many Nuss procedures has Dr. LoSasso done? 

Dr. LoSasso has done over 540 Nuss procedures with excellent results!!

• What are the biggest risks or complications that can occur from the Nuss procedure?

  There are 2 possible complications that can occur. One is bar migration, and the other is infection. Dr. LoSasso has had no bar migrations. and 2 wound infections that were treated successfully with antibiotics.

• How long has Dr. LoSasso been doing this minimally invasive Nuss procedure?
   

  Dr. LoSasso has been doing the Nuss procedure since 1999, after he visited and trained with Dr. Nuss at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, Virginia.

• When can I meet with the Dr.?

  You can call our office telephone number at 760-634-4090 and arrange for a consultation with Dr. LoSasso. You may also address any other questions to our pectus program coordinator, Jackie Chatelain at the same numbers.