Intercostal nerve cryoablation is associated with lower hospital cost during minimally invasive Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum

Retrospective study of 73 pediatric pectus excavatum patients demonstrates that bilateral intercostal nerve cryoablation during Nuss procedure reduces hospital stay from 4 to 1 day, decreases total opioid consumption by 90%, and lowers hospital costs by $1,770 despite longer operative time. Findings support cryoablation as a cost-effective alternative to traditional epidural or PCA pain management.