Single-centre Indian case series using X or cross bar for Nuss procedure in pectus excavatum

Abstract

The modified Nuss procedure using two bars lying parallel or non-intersecting is use to correct pectus excavatum with varying degrees of patient satisfaction. This bar placement has its limitation for certain pectus excavatum morphology where the deformity is deep and focal or located below the subxiphoid. We have altered our bar placement so that bars intersects in an X or cross manner for such pectus morphology. We describe the X or cross bar placement and its specific indications based on morphology in a series of five patients from February 2019 until December 2019 with symmetrical focal deformity along the xiphisternum and asymmetric deformity below the xiphoid. The operating time varied from 90 to 120 min. There was no significant postoperative morbidity. They are on follow-up with period ranging from 4 to 15 months from the day of surgery. Early results show the X or cross bar Nuss procedure can be safely performed to achieve a desired long-term morphological correction of symmetric deep focal xiphisternal defects or asymmetric deformity below the xiphoid.