A: If you have pectus excavatum and experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or exercise intolerance, you may be a candidate for treatment. The best way to determine whether the Nuss Procedure is right for you is through a consultation with Dr. LoSasso, who will evaluate your condition, symptoms, and overall health.

A: The ideal age for the Nuss Procedure is typically between 13 and 16 years old, when the chest wall is still growing and the cartilage and bones are more flexible. This often allows for an easier correction and recovery.

However, successful outcomes can also be achieved in adults. Dr. LoSasso has performed the Nuss Procedure on patients ranging from young children to adults in their 50s, including his oldest patient at age 55. While surgery can be more challenging as the chest wall becomes less flexible with age, carefully selected adult patients can still achieve excellent functional and cosmetic results.

A. The number of bars required depends on the severity and shape of the chest wall deformity, as well as the patient's age and chest wall rigidity. Many younger patients can be successfully corrected with a single bar. However, older adolescents and adults often require two bars, and in some cases, three bars may be necessary to achieve the best possible correction and support.

The use of additional bars does not typically result in significantly more pain, and the same small incisions are generally used for bar placement. During your evaluation, Dr. LoSasso will determine the number of bars needed based on your individual anatomy and the severity of your pectus excavatum.

A: Most patients remain in the hospital for approximately 3 to 4 days after surgery. The length of stay depends on several factors, including pain control, mobility, overall recovery progress, and the patient's and family's comfort level with discharge instructions and home care.

Dr. LoSasso closely monitors each patient's recovery and will determine when it is safe and appropriate for discharge.

A: How much pain should I expect after the Nuss Procedure?

Every patient experiences and manages pain differently. At Valley Hospital, patients are cared for by an experienced pain management team that closely monitors comfort and recovery following surgery. A variety of pain control strategies are utilized, including intercostal nerve blocks and a multimodal pain management approach.

Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they are after surgery and experience manageable pain throughout their hospital stay. Following discharge, each patient continues to be closely monitored, and pain medications are individualized to ensure optimal comfort and recovery.

Over the years, Dr. LoSasso, in collaboration with the pain management team, has developed a comprehensive pain management protocol specifically for Nuss Procedure patients. This customized approach is designed to maximize comfort, promote mobility, and support a successful recovery.

A. The Nuss bars typically remain in place for a minimum of three years following surgery. This allows the chest wall adequate time to remodel and stabilize in its new position. The exact timing of bar removal may vary depending on the patient's age, chest wall rigidity, and individual healing process.

Dr. LoSasso will monitor your progress throughout the recovery period and determine the appropriate timing for bar removal.

A. Most patients can begin gradually returning to their sport or recreational activity approximately three months after surgery, provided they have progressed appropriately through recovery and rehabilitation. By six months after surgery, most patients are cleared to return to full participation in competitive sports and unrestricted physical activity.

At this point, the bars are well integrated into the chest wall, allowing patients to resume the activities they enjoyed prior to surgery. Dr. LoSasso will monitor your recovery and provide individualized guidance regarding your return to sports and exercise.

A. Patients who have undergone the Nuss Procedure can still receive CPR in the event of a medical emergency. Because the bars provide additional support to the chest wall, more force may be required to achieve effective chest compressions compared to someone without Nuss bars.

Following surgery, patients and families are provided with important medical information regarding their Nuss bars, including recommendations for carrying a medical alert card or wearing medical alert jewelry to inform emergency medical personnel.

A: Yes. Dr. LoSasso has successfully performed the Nuss Procedure on many women with breast implants. These cases require a high level of expertise and careful surgical planning to safely navigate the chest wall while protecting the implants and preserving cosmetic results.

When appropriate, Dr. LoSasso may collaborate with experienced plastic surgeons to ensure the best possible outcome and to minimize the risk of disrupting the implants during surgery.

A: Recurrence of the deformity after bar removal is uncommon. In Dr. LoSasso's experience, fewer than 5% of patients experience any significant recurrence following completion of treatment.

Several factors can influence the risk of recurrence, including the severity of the original deformity, the patient's age, chest wall characteristics, and adherence to post-operative recommendations. Keeping the bars in place for the recommended duration helps minimize the risk of recurrence and promotes long-term stability of the correction.

A: For the vast majority of Pectus Excavatum patients the condition does not affect one's life expectancy but it can greatly affect one’s quality of life. This can affect a patient’s ability to exercise efficiently, psychologically feel about their chest, and case a variety of symptoms of differing severities. All patients are also screened by genetic disorders such as, Marfan Syndrome or Marfan-like conditions, which can have life threatening consequences if unidentified.