Intercostal cryoablation during Nuss procedure: A large volume single surgeon's experience and outcomes

Single-surgeon retrospective study (2016-2020) demonstrates that intercostal cryoablation during Nuss procedure significantly reduces hospital stay, opioid use, and urinary retention compared to standard pain management. However, cryoablation was associated with a 37-fold increased risk of bar slippage requiring reoperation, suggesting a trade-off between improved pain control and mechanical stability.