Perioperative considerations in anesthesia for minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum, Nuss procedure

Pectus excavatum (PE) is a common anterior chest wall deformity that affects the heart and lungs depending on the severity of compression. The Nuss procedure, a minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum, has evolved over the years with thoracoscopic assistance and minimal incision. Despite improved surgical techniques, pain and nausea are often the most common factors determining hospital length of stay. This review will explore the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anesthetic considerations necessary for improving patient outcomes, reducing surgical stress, and shortening hospital stays for patients undergoing the Nuss procedure.