The Nuss Procedure and Anesthetic Implications

The Nuss procedure was introduced in 1998 as a less invasive surgical technique for correction of the chest wall deformity, pectus excavatum (PE). This chapter summarizes the clinical picture of PE, describes the Nuss procedure and explores the anesthetic requirements for a patient undergoing the procedure. The criteria for surgical correction and preoperative planning is outlined. Known and potential complications are discussed. Intra and postoperative pain management often presents a challenge to the anesthesiologist, therefore different methods of analgesia are examined. Multiple reviews of surgical outcomes describe success of the procedure as the surgical technique has been refined through the years.