Patients who are eligible for Nuss procedure (for pectus excavatum correction) are undergoing "earlier preoperative percutaneous intercostal cryoneurolysis" in our institution. They are studied through a physical examination also.

soft touch and thermal (cold and warm) examination

Chest skin thermal sensitivity will be assessed through a "thermofeel" metal instrument set at two different temperatures: 15°C for cold sensation and 40°C for warm sensation. At least 4 different chest zones will be tested to discriminate potential differences. As a validated instument for chest skin thermal assessment does not exist, we will report only qualitative results, as "normal" "impaired" or "absent" sensitivity.

Chest skin mechanical sensitivity will be assessed through both validated von Frey filament testing, and cotton swab for soft touch. At least 4 different chest zones will be tested to discriminate potential differences. We will report qualitative results, as "normal" "impaired" or "absent" sensitivity.