Failed preoperative vacuum bell therapy does not affect outcomes following minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum

Retrospective analysis of 127 patients undergoing minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum found that failed preoperative vacuum bell therapy (median 17 months) did not negatively impact surgical outcomes, hospital stay, complications, or long-term patient satisfaction. Nearly half of vacuum bell patients experienced skin irritation or hematoma during treatment.