Feasibility and Complications in Concomitant Lung Resection With Minimally Invasive Repair of Pectus Excavatum

Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is the procedure of choice in experienced centers and can be offered in combination with other thoracic procedures. Between 2001 and 2013, 3 cases involving MIRPE and lung surgery were done in our clinic. While postoperative course of 2 procedures (MIRPE and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery [VATS] segmentectomy and MIRPE and VATS bullectomy) were uncomplicated, the MIRPE and VATS lung biopsy patient developed major complications arising from prolonged air leak and was ultimately managed with an Eloesser flap. In carefully selected cases, simultaneous lung surgery and MIRPE can be done safely but problems of lung reexpansion, long-term drainage, and infection should be kept in mind.