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Introduction. Nuss procedure is a minimal invasive surgical technique based on retrosternal placement of a metal plate to correct pectus excavatum chest deformity. We are presenting our five­year (2006­2011) institutional experience of 21 patients. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine characteristics and advantages of minimal invasive surgical approach in correcting deformities of the chest. Methods. Surgical procedure, named after its author Nuss, involves the surgical placement of a molded metal plate, the so­called pectus bar, behind the sternum under thoracoscopic view whereby immediate controlled intraoperative corrections and stabilizations of the depression can be made. The great advantage of this method is reflected in a significant shortening of operative time, usually without indications for compensation in blood volume, and with a significantly shortened postoperative recovery that allows patients to quickly return to their normal activities. Results. In the period 2006­2011, 21 patients were operated by the Nuss procedure. The pectus bar was set in front or behind the muscles of the chest. Among the complications listed were inflammation of wounds in three patients, dislocation (shifting) of the bar requiring a reoperation in two patients, an occurrence of a pericardial effusion in one patient, and allergic response to foreign body in one patient. Five patients required extraction of the bar two years later, and three patients after three years, all with excellent results. Conclusion. Minimally invasive Nuss procedure is safe and effective. It currently represents the primary method of choice for solving the chest deformity pectus excavatum for patients of all ages. Modification of thoracoscopic control allows a safe field of operation. Postoperative results are excellent with very few complications that can be attributed to the learning curve.

Research in the field of pediatric pulmonology, especially asthmology, has been intensified for the last couple of years. A large number of studies describe early wheezing episodes, risk factors, natural course of early childhood asthma. Besides this, literature shows a growing interest in epidemiology, genetics and virusology as predictive factors for development and clinical course of childhood asthma. In this paper, the authors are providing a review of recently published articles on asthma therapy based on phenotypes in terms of better understanding of asthma and asthma-like syndromes. Pediatric respiratory experts worldwide are equally positive in the following statements: real diagnosis leads to real therapy as soon as possible; inhaled corticosteroids are not recommended in very young infants especially if a positive effect is missing; long-term therapy with inhaled corticosteroids has to be scrutinized.