Should the Pectus Bar be Removed Before Pregnancy? Two Case Reports

Abstract

The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive repair for pectus excavatum in children and adults. However, it is unclear whether or not the stainless steel bar should be removed before pregnancy. We report on two adult females who had undergone a Nuss repair for pectus excavatum and successfully delivered prior to removal of the pectus bar.

Thoracic surgery - pectus bar - pregnancy - pectus excavatum

References

• 1 Nuss D, Kelly Jr R E, Croitoru D P et al. A 10-year review of a minimally invasive technique for the correction of pectus excavatum.  J Pediatr Surg. 1998;  33 545-552
• 2 Park H J, Lee S Y, Lee C S et al. The Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum: an evolution of techniques and results on 322 patients.  Ann Thorac Surg. 2004;  77 289-295
• 3 Park H J, Lee S Y, Lee C S. Complications associated with the Nuss procedure: analysis of risk factors and suggested measures for prevention of complications.  J Pediatr Surg. 2004;  39 391-395
• 4 Park H J. Technical innovations in minimally invasive approach for pectus excavatum: a paradigm shift through 630 patients.  Innovations. 2007;  2 25-28
• 5 Cunningham F G, Leveno K L, Bloom S L et al. Williams Obstetrics, 22e Section II Chapter 5. Maternal Physiology.. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2005: 107-135
• 6 Park H J, Chung W J, Lee I S et al. Mechanism of bar displacement and corresponding bar fixation techniques in minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.  J Pediatr Surg. 2008;  43 74-78