改良Ravitch结合Nuss术治疗小儿鸡胸

目的：探讨改良Ravitch结合Nuss术治疗小儿鸡胸的手术方法及疗效。方法2008年1月至2013年1月我们采取手术治疗鸡胸10例,男8例,女2例,对称型7例,非对称型3例;年龄最小5岁,最大16岁,均行改良Ravitch结合Nuss术。结果对称型和非对称型鸡胸患儿术后胸廓外观均满意。2例术后出现皮下气肿,2例气胸,均自行吸收。1例术后3个月钢板固定片处感染,需再次手术拔除固定片。6例已经拔除钢板,随访12～26个月,平均（20．6±2．5）个月,均无胸廓变形。结论改良Ravitch和Nuss术均是较成熟和易于掌握的手术方法,两者结合矫正小儿鸡胸,矫形效果更佳。     

小儿漏斗胸Nuss手术对胸廓影响的研究

目的 探讨小儿漏斗胸Nuss手术对胸廓的影响.方法 对2004年至2008年采用Nuss手术治疗的33例漏斗胸患儿,主要利用超声及螺旋CT检查进行术后随访.项目包括:肋骨、肋软骨、胸壁第1至第6对肋骨与软骨关节(CCJ)、胸肋关节(CSJ)以及胸廓外观.结果 2例钢板移位;4例(12.1%)术后出现胸廓畸形;1例术后3年4个月发现右侧第四肋软骨胸骨端陈旧性骨折;1例术后1周发生右侧第五肋软骨横断骨折;8例(24.2%)术后近期随访发现不同程度的CSJ及CCJ的损伤;6例(18.2%)钢板平面以下的胸廓下陷;1例发现左侧第五肋软骨斑点状骨化.结论 Nuss手术虽然优点颇多,但也存在明显不足.利用钢板的外力强行将凹陷的胸骨顶起,对胸廓是一种创伤,该创伤累及胸廓的关节、肋骨、肋软骨,使CSJ和CCJ不同程度分离、移位,肋软骨骨化、肋软骨骨折以及胸廓畸形等.     

Experience in 100 cases with the Nuss procedure using a technique for stabilization of the pectus bar

The Nuss procedure is a new, minimally invasive technique for the repair of pectus excavatum. We describe our experience with this operation, in a relatively large series in a single institution, and introduce our technical modification for stabilizing the pectus bar. In 107 patients (75 male and 32 female) with pectus excavatum who underwent the Nuss procedure, age at operation ranged from 3 to 23 years old (mean: 7.5+/-4.1) and Haller's CT index ranged from 33 to 2.6 (mean: 6.1+/-3.5). To stabilize the pectus bars, we tied the rib and both edges of the bars with surgical steel wire, 0.8 mm in diameter, using a Duchenne needle to guide the wire behind the rib. Average operating time with this technique (n=100) was 48+/-20 min. The stability of pectus bars after the operation was assessed by lateral chest X-ray films. The position of the center of the pectus bars, facing the sternum at right angles, was classified as excellent. A minimal bar displacement of less than 45 degrees was classified as incomplete. The position of the bars that had rotated 90 degrees was classified as poor. The post-operative course was uneventful in all cases except for three patients who showed wound infection, hemothorax or pneumothorax, independently. Two patients required wire removal due to skin irritation as a late complication. Five patients underwent re-operations due to bar displacement. Among them, only two cases were included in the group of wire fixation. Only five teen-aged patients required a lateral stabilizing bar. Lateral chest X-ray films of 100 patients showed that the position of the pectus bar was excellent in 86 cases, incomplete in 12 cases and poor in two cases. In 70 patients aged less than 10 years, the position in 91% was excellent and in 9% was incomplete. In 30 patients aged 10 years and older, 14 required two pectus bars and the results were excellent in all cases. The other 16 patients with a single bar showed excellent results in eight (50%) cases, incomplete in six (37.5%) and poor in two (12.5%). The wire-fixation technique was safe, effective and time efficient to perform in young cases. Teen-aged patients, however, were at high risk of bar displacement. Therefore, the use of two bars and lateral stabilizing bars are recommended for these high-risk patients.     

NUSS手术治疗小儿漏斗胸的临床效果观察

目的探讨Nuss手术治疗小儿漏斗胸的临床效果。方法采用Nuss手术治疗小儿漏斗胸87例,男62例,女25例,平均年龄5.8岁(3～21岁),3～6岁43例,7～10岁28例,11～16岁9例,17～21岁7例。在胸腔镜监视下,先用弯钳在胸骨凹陷最低点切开胸膜,钝性分离胸膜外胸骨后隧道(避免在导入引导器时损伤心包);于胸骨凹陷最低点右侧肋间最高点穿入引导器至右侧胸腔,经分离的隧道紧贴胸骨至胸骨左侧,于左侧对应的最高点肋间穿出引导器;将矫形钢板凹面朝上导入,翻转180°顶起胸骨;两侧安装固定片,以2-0可吸收缝线将固定片与肋骨膜缝合;缝合肌肉和皮肤,不留胸腔引流管。手术后2年常规取出钢板。结果87例均顺利完成手术,无中转开放手术者,平均手术时间37.6min(24～120min),出血量2～10ml,手术后平均住院时间5.9d(2～9d)。无心包损伤发生。全部病例平均随访29.6个月(3～60个月),疗效满意78例(91.9%),获得改善5例(5.7%),不满意4例,差4例。年龄越小,满意度越高,3～6岁和7～10岁组满意度分别为97.6%、96.4%,而17～21岁组满意度为28.6%,二者差异有显著统计学意义(P<0.01);11～16岁组满意度为77.7%,比17～21岁明显增高(P<0.01),与3～6岁和7～10岁组比较无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论Nuss手术矫治小儿先天性漏斗胸安全有效,具有损伤小,恢复快,兼顾美容的优点,年龄越小,效果越好。     

Risk factors of infection of implanted device after the Nuss procedure

Purpose

The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive procedure for the correction of pectus excavatum. It involves insertion of a substernal metal bar. A feared complication of any implantation procedure is infection, which often requires removal of the implanted device. This report describes the authors’ experience with infectious complications after the Nuss procedure.

Methods

The study included 195 patients diagnosed with pectus excavatum. We performed the Nuss procedure under thoracoscopic control on all the patients. Factors analyzed for all patients included bar infection, sex, age, number of bars, and season of the year during which the operation was performed.

Results

Of the 195 study patients, there were 11 patients who suffered postoperative infectious complications, including 7 patients with cellulitis and 4 patients with bar infections. We removed the infected bars from three of the patients with bar infections. Ten of the patients with infected bar had undergone their operations in the summer. Sex, age and number of bars did not differ significantly between patients with or without infections. However, a significantly higher number of infections occurred among patients who underwent the Nuss procedure in the summer compared with the other seasons of the year (P?Conclusion All patients with cellulitis successfully recovered with conservative treatment. However, 75?% of the patients with bar infections required removal of the infected device. Our study results showed that performance of the Nuss procedure during summer is a risk factor for postoperative infection. We recommend that particularly careful technique must be used during summer to prevent postoperative infections following the Nuss procedure.     

Nuss术治疗小儿漏斗胸的CT指数评估

目的 探讨采用CT指数客观评估Nuss手术治疗小儿漏斗胸效果的价值.方法 2005年5月至2009年1月,采用胸腔镜辅助下改良Nuss术治疗115例中重度漏斗胸患儿,将已拔除钢板的30例患儿作为研究对象.采用胸部CT扫描分别测量术前、Nuss术后、拔除钢板后的CT指数,进行对比研究.选取年龄匹配的30例排除胸部畸形的患儿作为对照组.将实验组分为小年龄组(≤10岁)22例及大年龄组(>10岁)8例;对称型组18例及不对称型组12例;中度组(CT指数≤5)18例及重度组(CT指数>5)12例.各组之间进行对比及统计分析.结果 实验组Nuss术后以及拔除钢板后的CT指数与术前进行配对t检验显示差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.001),拔除钢板后CT指数与Nuss术后相比,差异无统计学意义(P=0.472),并且与对照组的2.48±0.24相比,差异无统计学意义(P=0.057).小年龄组与大年龄组Nuss术后及拔钢板后的CT指数与术前相比,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),而两组之间相比,差异均无统计学意义(P=0.093,P=0.116).对称型组和不对称型组Nuss术后及拔钢板后的CT指数与术前相比,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),而两组之间相比,差异均无统计学意K(P=0.281,P=0.610).中度组和重度组Nuss术后及拔钢板后CT指数与术前相比,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),两组之间Nuss术后相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),但拔钢板后差异无统计学意义(P=0.093).结论 CT指数可以客观地评估Nuss术矫治小儿漏斗胸术后乃至拔除钢板后的手术效果.无论年龄、畸形类型及畸形程度,Nuss手术均能取得良好效果.     

Early complications of the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum: a prospective study

The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive method for the correction of pectus excavatum, with several centers reporting its successful application. Complications related to the Nuss procedure are not uncommon and life-threatening complications have been reported. This study focuses on the incidence and management of complications in a series of 167 children and adults with funnel chest corrected by Nuss procedure. Guidelines and strategies to avoid the most common and typical complications are proposed. All patients with funnel chest, operated between April 2000 and 2006 were evaluated prospectively. Our surgical approach involved the submuscular insertion of the pectus bar under right-sided thoracoscopic control. The bar was secured in most cases with one stabilizer on the right side on the underlying rib to prevent bar displacement. Postoperative pain was primarily managed by epidural catheters. All data in the patient report forms was prospectively entered in a database. All complications were documented and classified into major or minor complication. A major complication was noted, if an organ injury occurred or if a significant surgical intervention became necessary. A minor complication was documented, if either an endoscopy or an evacuation of fluid or gas from the thorax by puncture were necessary. One hundred and sixty seven patients (136 males and 31 females) with a mean age of 16.3 (range 5-40 years) were included in this study. Major complications occurred in seven patients (4.2%) and consisted of one intraoperative heart perforation, one piercing of the liver with the trocar, bar infections (n = 2) and significant bar displacement (n = 3). Minor complications were seen in 122 patients (73.1%) and consisted of breakage of wires used to secure the lateral stabilizer plate (n = 48), pleural effusions (n = 28), intraoperative rupture of the intercostal muscle (n = 15), pericardial tears without clinical significance (n = 7) and lung atelectasia (n = 4). Major complications related to the Nuss procedure were rare but preventable and could mainly be attributed to the learning curve. Most minor complications can be avoided by changing the technique, e.g. fixation of the bar and the stabilizer onto the underlying rib, use of PDS cords instead of metal wires to fix the bar and the stabilizer, entrance into and exit of the thorax medial to the rim of the pectus excavatum, etc. Some complications are related to the technique, such as minor pleural effusion or remaining gas in the thorax. Clear guidelines in regard to the technique are presented to prevent the majority of complications and thereby shorten the learning curve.     

Results of Nuss procedures for the correction of pectus excavatum.

INTRODUCTION: The principle of the Nuss procedure is remodulation of the chest using a steel bar inserted by means of two small skin incisions along the axillary lines. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The assessment of the outcome after treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between July 1998 and March 2003 66 children were operated on by Nuss technique to correct pectus excavatum in our department. Age ranged from 1 to 19 years (mean 11.8 years). The evaluation prior to surgery included chest X-ray and CT, pulmonology consultation with pulmonary function tests and cardiology consultation. We used a modified technique in which we inserted the supporting bar directly from the right side, with no thoracoscope, no sharp tools and no guiding tape. Intrapleural or epidural bupivacaine was used for postoperative pain control. RESULTS: Duration of the operation was between 20 and 60 min. Complications included wound infections in six children, haemothorax in three and pneumonia in one. In 56 children the early cosmetic results were very good. In 5 children the excavation of the lower part of the sternum has persisted, in 5 children the excavation of the sternum was corrected but asymmetric thickening in the parasternal region persisted. In all cases the results were satisfactory for both the children and their parents. In 24 children the supporting bar was removed two years after the first operation. Postoperative courses were uneventful and the cosmetic results were good. In one child we observed a recurrence of the deformity six months after bar removal. CONCLUSIONS: The early results of the new operation for pectus excavatum are good in most children. The minimal invasiveness of this method suggests that this procedure is indicated in cases where the defects are only cosmetic.     

改良Nuss手术纠治小儿不对称型漏斗胸

目的总结胸腔镜辅助下改良Nuss手术纠治不对称型小儿漏斗胸的初步经验。方法2004年6月至2006年7月,我院共施行漏斗胸Nuss手术纠治53例,其中17例为不对称型,男13例,女4例。最小年龄2岁5个月,最大14岁,平均8.9岁。手术在胸腔镜辅助下完成。根据患儿畸形情况,设计个性化钢板形状,并对Nuss手术进行改良。结果17例患儿均顺利完成手术,术中平均失血少于15ml。1例患儿术后胸片显示少量气胸,1例患儿术后胸腔积血,1例患儿术后胸腔积液,无其他并发症。术后平均住院6d。13例获得对称性纠正效果,4例术后单侧稍扁平,畸形矫正满意。结论对不对称型漏斗胸采用个性化钢板弯制技术进行Nuss手术,能取得较好的矫形效果。     

Review and discussion of the complications of minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair.

PURPOSE: To review and discuss the complications of minimally invasive pectus excavatum repair. METHODS: 329 patients underwent minimally invasive pectus repair between January 1987 and August 2000, including 14 patients who recurred after previous Ravitch repairs, 10 failed Nuss repairs (eight done elsewhere) and two failed Leonard repairs. All patients received antibiotics and vigorous incentive spirometry to prevent atelectasis, pneumonia and bar infection. Epidural anesthesia was used for postoperative analgesia to keep patients comfortable and stable postoperatively and to prevent bar displacement. Thoracoscopy was used during bar insertion to minimize the risk of mediastinal injury and to select the best position for the bar. A new introducer was developed to elevate the sternum before bar insertion. A stabilizing bar was created to minimize bar displacement. The duration of sternal bracing has been increased from two years to three or four years in selected patients. COMPLICATIONS: There were no deaths, no cardiac perforations and no cases of thoracic chondrodystrophy. Pneumothorax with spontaneous resolution occurred in 52 % of the patients, with 1.2 % requiring simple aspiration and 1.5 % requiring chest tube drainage. This complication has essentially been eliminated by using a "water seal system". Pericarditis occurred in 2.4 % with good response to Indomethacin in six out of eight patients and two patients also required pericardial fluid aspiration. Pneumonia occurred in 0.9 %. Wound infection occurred in 2.6 % resulting in bar infection in three out of the seven patients. Long-term antibiotics were successful in curing the infection in one patient, whereas the other two required bar removal at 12 and 18 months, respectively. Bar displacement occurred in 8.8 % of patients. However, the introduction of stabilizers decreased the incidence from 15.7 % before the use of stabilizers to 5.4 % with stabilizers. Wiring the bar and stabilizer together has decreased the incidence even further. RESULTS: Long-term outcome after bar removal showed an excellent result in 71 %, good result in 21 % and recurrence in 7.8 %. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive technique has a low complication rate with excellent long-term results.     

Nuss手术与改良Ravitch手术的对比研究

目的对比研究微创Nuss手术与传统改良Ravitch手术治疗小儿漏斗胸。方法随访3年224例漏斗胸手术,其中Nuss手术148例,改良Ravitch手术76例,将两种术式一般情况、围术期情况、并发症和满意度进行比较。结果224例均顺利完成手术。两组患儿平均年龄无差异,但平均手术时间、术中出血量Nuss组(48.63±12.66)、(6.57±12.69)明显少于Ravitch组(90.99±17.24)、(29.25±15.02),有极显著性差异;术后引流量、下地活动时间、术后平均住院天数Nuss组(10.78±12.78)、(1.27±0.55)、(6.81±0.55)低于Ravitch组(27.83±11.73)、(3.63±0.95)、(9.59±0.72),有显著性差异;仅术后引流时间无显著性差异。并发症Nuss组为10.8%,包括2例气胸、10例皮下气肿、1例支架移位、2例疼痛和1例获得性脊柱侧弯。Ravitch组并发症发生率为3.9%,包括气胸、缝线反应和支架移位各1例。两组并发症均无严重致命性,且预后良好。术后1年内、2年内及取支架后患儿及家长满意度均无显著性差异。结论微创矫正小儿漏斗胸的Nuss手术与改良Ravitch手术相比具有切口小而隐蔽、手术时间短、出血少、活动早、不需游离胸壁肌肉皮瓣,不需肋软骨或胸骨的切除、长期保持胸部伸展性,扩张性、柔韧性和弹性等优点。患者手术时机可由3岁到成人,手术成功的关键是手术适应证的正确选择。广泛对称性的漏斗胸尤其合并扁平胸是Nuss手术的最佳选择。凹陷重的局限型漏斗胸及严重不对称的漏斗胸应首选改良Ravitch手术。随着经验的积累,Nuss手术围术期并发症将有所降低。     

Results of pectus excavatum correction using a minimally invasive approach with subxyphoid incision and three-point fixation

Objectives

This study reviews the results of our previously described modification of the minimally invasive (Nuss) procedure for correction of pectus excavatum. It utilizes a subxyphoid incision with central fixation to maximize safe bar passage and minimize bar displacement.

Methods

Consecutive patients corrected with the modified Nuss procedure between 2010 and 2015 form the basis of this study.

Results

During the study period, 73 patients had correction of their pectus excavatum by the modified Nuss procedure, utilizing subxyphoid incision and central fixation. Average age was 14.3 (range 8–19). 54 patients were male, 19 female. The average Haller index was 4.3 (range 3.2–7.2). No episodes of cardiac perforation, hemothorax or significant pneumothorax were recorded. Bar displacement occurred in two patients (2.7%) with one late recurrence after bar removal.

Conclusions

Our modification of the Nuss procedure is effective at preventing intrathoracic complications and cardiac perforation. Central fixation had a lower rate of bar displacement compared to published reports. Additional efforts are needed to further reduce bar displacement.

     

Pulmonary function in children with Pectus excavatum and post-operative changes after nuss procedure

Purpose

The aim of this study was to show the difference between the pulmonary function of children with mild or severe types of pectus excavatum (PE) and post-operative changes in their predicted vital capacity (%VC) following Nuss procedure.

Patients and methods

One hundred and twenty-four of the 208 children who underwent Nuss procedure for PE between January 2007 and March 2016 were deemed eligible for this study and evaluated retrospectively. A spirometry was performed on these children on four occasions: before operation; pre-bar removal; and 1 month and 1 year after bar removal. Ninety-seven of the children who were more than 7 years of age were divided using the Haller Index (HI) into a mild group (n?=?54) and a severe group (n?=?43) and compared. The children were also divided into three groups based on their age and their %VC was compared at each follow-up occasion.

Results

The severe group showed a significantly lower %VC and peak expiratory flow rate than the mild group. %VC change after bar removal showed significantly lower in group aged 11 or over. 43 of the children had spirometry data recorded 1 year after bar removal which, compared with 1 month after bar removal, showed a significant higher %VC in groups aged of 10 or under.

Conclusion

Nuss procedure in children aged of 10 or under proved to be an advantage in the post-operative pulmonary function.

     

非胸腔镜辅助Nuss手术矫治大年龄患儿漏斗胸

目的 探讨非胸腔镜辅助Nuss手术治疗大年龄患儿漏斗胸的手术方法 和治疗经验.方法 24例漏斗胸在非胸腔镜辅助下行Nuss手术治疗,其中男19例,女5例.年龄12岁2个月～17岁11个月,平均13岁10个月.结果 24例患儿均顺利完成手术,无术中严重并发症.手术耗时平均45 min,平均出血10 ml.结论非胸腔镜辅助Nuss手术治疗大年龄患儿漏斗胸,术中注意掌握要点,未发生危险并发症.手术仍安全可行.对大年龄漏斗胸患儿行Nuss手术的远期效果有待进一步观察.     

漏斗胸Nuss矫形术对胸廓的影响及相关因素分析

目的通过CT影像测量了解漏斗胸Nuss矫形术前后胸廓径线的改变情况,探讨并分析Nuss矫形术对胸廓的影响及相关因素。方法对2014年1月至2018年12月郑州大学第一附属医院收治的50例行漏斗胸Nuss矫形术患儿的临床资料进行回顾性分析。50例患儿中男43例,女7例。所有患儿中存在脊柱侧弯6例,胸廓不对称12例,胸骨旋转11例。通过CT影像测量其放置矫形器前及取出矫形器后胸廓各椎体平面最大横内径及该平面胸脊间的距离,通过配对样本t检验比较矫形前后各径线的改变情况,以及通过独立样本t检验分析在不同年龄、性别、矫形时间、漏斗胸对称与否、是否合并脊柱侧弯等情况间的差异性。结果50例患儿均顺利完成矫形器置入术及矫形器拔除术,无明显术中及术后并发症,Nuss矫形后较矫形前相比,胸廓前后径在第8~12胸椎水平均较前增加,第3~5胸椎平面较前减小,胸廓横径在第8~10胸椎平面较前减小;年龄≤10岁、矫形时长≥2年及女性患儿胸廓前后径改变量在多个胸椎平面分别较年龄>10岁、矫形时长<2年及男性患儿大,P<0.05,差异具有统计学意义。结论漏斗胸Nuss矫形后前胸壁凹陷较前明显改善,并且在不同年龄和不同矫形时长间存在差异性,年龄较小及适当增加矫形时间可获得较好的矫形效果,而胸廓横径生长在一定程度上受限。     

食管超声监测下非胸腔镜辅助Nuss手术85例分析

目的 探讨食管超声监测下非胸腔镜辅助Nuss手术的手术方法和治疗经验.方法 2011年8月至2014年8月本院对适合的漏斗胸病例采用食管超声监测下非胸腔镜辅助Nuss手术矫治漏斗胸,共85例患儿,其中男61例,女24例.年龄7岁8个月至17岁5个月,平均13岁2个月.胸廓指数(Haller index)在3.6～14.2之间,平均4.1.79例为初次漏斗胸手术,6例为复发漏斗胸,64例患儿置入1根钢板,21例置入2根钢板.结果 85例患儿均顺利完成手术,无术中严重并发症发生.手术时间28～70 min,平均40 min;出血量10～40ml,平均15ml.全部患儿术后未出现伤口感染,恢复顺利,术后5～7 d出院,平均6d.本组22例患儿术后钢板安置满3年已手术移除钢板.85例均获随访,随访时间14～38个月,平均23个月.患儿疼痛消失,活动量增加,无不适表现,患儿和家属满意矫形效果.结论 使用食管超声监测,术中能够比较清楚的反映术中心脏大血管及心包的状态,可以有效的发现并避免术中严重的并发症,食管超声在漏斗胸手术中为一种有效的监测手段.     

Nuss procedure in the adult population for correction of pectus excavatum

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum has been successfully modified for use in adult patients. Many patients present in adulthood with progression of symptoms as the chest wall becomes less compliant with age. A thorough workup is completed including echocardiogram and chest CT to evaluate for anatomic abnormalities. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is done to quantify the physiologic impact. Modifications of the original Nuss procedure required to allow for successful adult repair include the use of forced sternal elevation, the use of multiple bars, medial bar fixation, and interspace support to prevent bar rotation and migration. Occasionally, fractures may occur that require an open procedure and osteotomy or cartilage resection and hybrid approach incorporating the principals of intrathoracic support and osteotomy with bar stabilization.     

A new sternum elevator reduces severe complications during minimally invasive repair of the pectus excavatum

Introduction

Although the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum is widely employed, a variety of complications have been reported with relatively high frequency; those that involve cardiac and pericardial injuries can be life threatening. To reduce such dangers, we present here a newly developed sternal elevator.

Materials and methods

The elevator is horseshoe shaped. Its elevator side has the same curvature as a Nuss introducer, so that interference between devices is minimal and no extra skin incision is needed for the elevator insertion. The elevator holds the sternum forward and enlarges the retrosternal space for safer passage of thoracoscopically guided introducer.

Results

The authors have used the elevator for 61 pectus excavatum cases between March 2004 and December 2009 without any major complications. The entire process of substernal tunneling was endoscopically observed, which eliminated any blunt and blind dissection, even in a significantly depressed funnel chest case. With the device, the sternum was effectively elevated again for the placement of the second plate in 30 cases.

Conclusion

Our newly developed sternum elevator makes the Nuss procedure safer and more affordable without introducing any extra scarring.     

New treatment concept for children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome due to congenital spine deformity

BACKGROUND: Children with congenital thoracic scoliosis associated with fused ribs and unilateral unsegmented bars adjacent to convex hemivertebrae will inevitably develop thoracic insufficiency syndrome and curve progression with hemithorax compression without treatment. It is assumed that the concave side of such curves and their unilateral unsegmented bars do not grow. In the past early spinal fusion was performed with consecutive short thoracic spines and loss of lung volume. Little attention has been paid to lung function. These patients often suffered from lung failure and early death due to a small thorax. METHOD: A new surgical technique is based on an indirect deformity correction and enlargement of the thorax due to a longitudinal implant, the vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR). The spine is not fused, thus promoting growth of the spine, the thorax and the lungs. Elongation of the implant is done every six months. Since 2002 this method has been performed on fifteen children in Basel as the first European center. RESULTS: Patients (mean age 6 years; 11 months to 12 years) were suffering from thoracic insufficiency syndrome due to unilateral unsegmented bars with fused ribs (n = 4), absent ribs (n = 2), bilaterally fused ribs (n = 2), hemivertebrae (n = 3) or neuromuscular scoliosis (n = 6). Doing fifteen primarily implantations and thirteen elongations there were three complications (two hook dislocations, one skin breakage). All patients improved cosmetically, functionally and radiologically which was shown on X-rays as a reduction of the Cobb angle from an average of 76 degrees (40-110 degrees ) to 55 degrees (30-67 degrees ). CONCLUSIONS: Expansion thoracoplasty and VEPTR implantation is a new treatment concept for children with thoracic insufficiency syndrome due to spinal deformities, which is based on distraction and expansion of the thorax thus allowing growth of the spine, the thorax and probably lungs. Presently it seems to be superior to any other method for the treatment of small children with progressive scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome.     

重度漏斗胸伴先天性肺囊性病变同期手术治疗5例

目的总结重度漏斗胸伴先天性肺囊性病变的同期手术治疗经验。方法回顾性分析本院自2007年开展Nuss术至今所收治的漏斗胸病例资料,分析重度漏斗胸伴先天性肺囊性病变同期手术治疗情况。结果患儿5例,男性3例,女性2例,年龄分别为:4个月、8个月、3岁、1岁9个月、11岁,漏斗胸Hailer指数平均5.12(3.57~7.19),肺囊性病变的病理类型:先天性囊腺瘤样畸形3例,先天性囊腺瘤样畸形并支气管源性囊肿1例,大叶性肺气肿1例。手术方式:先行肺囊性变肺叶切除,再行胸腔镜辅助Nuss术,平均手术时间176(90~300)min,手术失血量80(30~120)mL,术后8.2(3~19)h撤离呼吸机。术后并发症:胸部皮下气肿1例,随访13(1~26)个月,疗效满意。结论重度漏斗胸伴先天性肺囊性病变肺叶切除同期手术治疗方案可行,胸壁畸形矫治近中期效果满意,远期效果有待进一步观察。