Erste Erfahrungen mit der minimalinvasiven Korrektur der Trichterbrust

Background. Minimal invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is receiving more and more attention worldwide. We report about our first experiences with MIRPE in 29 children and young adults. Results. No major complications occurred in 27 patients, apart from late onset infections in two boys, which were successfully treated by parenteral application of antibiotics. However, the feasibility of the new technique is limited by the rigidity of the sternum and the thorax. MIRPE failed in two older patients and the bars were removed. The implanted bars are still in situ in all other patients and explantation is scheduled for two years after the operation. Therefore, evaluation of the definitive results has to be postponed. Discussion. It is expected that successful repair of pectus excavatum by minimalinvasive approach will be achieved in 95% of the patients. Although MIRPE can be performed during infancy, the right moment is between the 8^th and 12^th year of life. Patients, who had reached puberty, and young adults, who refused the conventional open procedure, consider MIRPE as an alternative and acceptable technique. MIRPE is an innovative improvement on the conventional method of treatment and widens the spectrum of patients eligible for this operation. Longterm follow-up is manditory to observing if the good results in infants can also be achieved in older patients.