Feasibility and Safety of Subcutaneous Sternal Suspension in The Treatment of Pectus Excavatum

Abstract

Background: Nuss procedure is rarely used in young children. The application of subcutaneous sternal suspension (SSS) in low-collar children solves this embarrassment. This study aims to compare the safety and feasibility of subcutaneous sternal suspension and Nuss operation in the treatment of pectus excavatum. Methods: 69 patients with pectus excavatum surgery from 2013 to 2022 were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to surgical method: SSS group and Nuss group. Comparing basic information and perioperative complications to evaluate the feasibility and safety of two groups. Results: 44 patients in Nuss group had removed steel bars and 4 patients in SSS group. The average age of the SSS group was significantly lower than that of the Nuss group (P=0.0001). There were no significant differences in other baseline information such as gender, Haller index, symmetry and comorbidities. The SSS group was better than the Nuss group in the comparison of blood loss(P=0.22), postoperative hospital stays(P=0.003), operation time(P=0.0001). There was no significant difference in the complications between the two groups. Conclusions: SSS surgery is more suitable for low-collar patients (3years old and above) because of the advantages fast recovery. Thus, this method requires longer follow-up to observe its long-term therapeutic effect.