Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What steps do I need to take to have my child evaluated in the Chest Wall Clinic?

Your primary care provider can make a referral to our clinic for evaluation. You can also call our surgery office directly and ask to speak with our staff to schedule an appointment.

We recommend you bring the following with you to the appointment:

• New Patient Evaluation Form
• HIPAA Consent/Acknowledgment Form
• Copy of Insurance Card

How long does it take to complete any preoperative testing?

Depending on the tests ordered, it may take one to two months.

Can any radiologic be done outside of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford?

Ideally, we would like our radiology service to be involved in the evaluation. However, we realize this is not always possible due to insurance or distance from the hospital. We recommend all images and reports of studies be directly sent to our pediatric surgery office:

Center for Academic Medicine
453 Quarry Road
Palo Alto, CA 94304 

Tel: (650) 723-6439
Fax: (650) 725-5577 

 Remember that metal allergy testing may require certain panels that we can help clarify. Often, your child may need to have the test done and return to the allergist’s office a few days later for interpretation.

Your care team can work with you to determine if some, or all, of preoperative testing can be done at a local facility.

What is the typical age for Nuss repair?

For optimal results, the Nuss repair is typically offered during early adolescence, but can be performed with excellent results even in adults. Each patient is evaluated on an individual basis to determine a treatment plan that best suits their needs.

Is surgery urgent?

Surgical correction with the Nuss procedure is never an emergency. This is a procedure that must be planned. Take your time. Prepare your family and your child for the procedure.

Can you have an MRI done with Nuss bars in place?

The titanium bars are MRI safe. If your child needs to undergo a routine MRI, please contact our office so we can speak with the radiology department about the Nuss bars and request a lower magnet setting.

Does my child need antibiotics prior to dental procedures?

Antibiotics are not necessary prior to dental procedures with Nuss bars in place.

Can I go through a metal detector after Nuss surgery?

The Nuss bars may set off metal detectors in the airport. We can provide documentation for you to carry during travel.

Do I need physical therapy after Nuss surgery?

Your care team will discuss exercises you can do at home while recovering from surgery at your first follow-up visit after surgery. Going to a physical therapist is not necessary for most patients. If your child is having difficulty with range of motion or building strength after surgery, your care team will refer you to physical therapy.

How frequently do patients have follow-up appointments in the Chest Wall Clinic?

Patients undergoing Klobe vacuum bell therapy or carinatum bracing therapy have follow-up appointments with one of our advanced practice providers (APP) every three months. These appointments can be in person or via telehealth.

After Nuss surgery, patients will follow up in our clinic one month after surgery, and then yearly until the bars are removed. We offer an optional three-month postoperative follow-up appointment.

If your child is not currently undergoing any nonoperative or operative treatment, we recommend yearly follow-up in our clinic.

When can I return to school after the Nuss procedure?

Most patients stay home from school after Nuss surgery for around two weeks. Everyone recovers at different rates. You can return to school when you are feeling well enough. Our office will work with your school regarding any activity restrictions you may have and any school that is missed.

Many of our patients choose to have surgery over the summer. We recommend scheduling a consultation appointment well in advance of your desired surgery timing, as our summer surgery schedule fills up quickly.