Cir Pediatr. 2026 Jan 15;39(1):4-8. doi: 10.54847/cp.2026.01.11.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Extraction of bars during Minimally Invasive Repair for Pectus Excavatum (MIRPE) is susceptible to complications ranging from mild to severe. Objective: to compare the outcomes following the implementation of a Bar Extraction Safety Protocol (BESP) to determine its effectiveness in reducing complications.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective comparative cohort study. Inclusion criteria: Patients who underwent bar removal from November 2013 to March 2024, in whom BESP was implemented, compared with a historical cohort operated on previously. Protocol includes: a) Preoperative measures: during implantation, use of smooth bars, a minimum of two bars with lateral stabilizers, sternal elevation; pre-removal: chest X-rays. b) Intraoperative measures: bilateral incisions, bar straightening, and “safety string” maneuver. c) Postoperative measures: 24-hour admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and post-removal chest X-ray. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo (C-D) system, focusing on clinically relevant ones (C-D ≥ II). Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-squared test (Stata v16).
RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were included; 62 were male. Mean age at surgery: 17 years (range 14-24). Thirty patients (43 bars) operated on pre-BESP, 37 (81 bars) post-BESP. Pre-BESP bars were serrated; post-BESP bars were smooth. Bar dwell time was 27 months (IQR 23-33) pre-BESP and 24 months (IQR 23-25) post-BESP. Hospital stay was 1 day in both groups (maximum: 16 vs. 4 days). Clinically relevant complications occurred in 20% of pre-BESP patients and 0% post-BESP (p=0.048).
CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of BESP significantly reduced complications after bar removal, improving safety during bar removal in the MIRPE.
PMID:41550048 | DOI:10.54847/cp.2026.01.11
