The Inaugural Global Chest Wall Surgery Conference, co-hosted by the Institute of Chest Wall Surgery (ICWS) and the International Chest Wall Surgery Organization (ICWSO), was grandly convened on July 19, 2025, in Guangzhou, China. Nearly 100 doctors from 13 countries and regions gathered to explore pressing issues in chest wall surgery, signaling a new phase of global collaboration and innovation in the field.

The conference commenced with an opening address by Professor Hongying Qu, the President of Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, followed by a speech from Professor Wenlin Wang, the Director of ICWS. Both experts emphasized that against the backdrop of rising global demand for the diagnosis and treatment of chest wall disorders, this conference aims to establish an open and inclusive platform to foster continuous innovation in chest wall surgical techniques, advancing their efficiency and safety.

Diverse Topics Focused on Surgical Innovation and Clinical Practice

The conference featured 16 specialized lectures focusing on the surgical treatment of diverse chest wall deformities—including pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, and complex deformities—as well as other chest wall conditions such as chest wall tumors and infections. Topics covered surgical principles, operative techniques, and clinical experiences from various countries.

Dr. Lisa E. McMahon from Phoenix Children’s Hospital (USA) delivered an in-depth analysis of the key technical aspects of the Nuss procedure. Dr. Masahiko Noguchi from Nagano Children’s Hospital (Japan) highlighted his surgical strategies for pectus excavatum correction, while  Dr. Narasimman Sathiamurthy from Kuala Lumpur Hospital (Malaysia) shared valuable insights into chest wall tumor resection and reconstruction. These presentations not only showcased cutting-edge international advancements but also offered references and inspiration for the practical application of chest wall surgical techniques through extensive surgical videos and long-term follow-up data.

In addition, the doctors from ICWS team also delivered presentations on the surgical treatment of diseases such as chest wall tumors, chest wall infections, and straight back syndrome. They delved into treatment approaches and surgical integration strategies, showcasing the team’s extensive expertise and technical strength in challenging chest wall conditions.

To conclude the conference, Professor Wang Wenlin presented an extensive analysis of treatment strategies for various rare chest wall deformities, including barrel chest and asphyxiating thoracic dystrophy. Drawing upon numerous surgical cases, he detailed critical diagnostic considerations and surgical approach selection, fully demonstrating the profound expertise accumulated through his long-term exploration of complex cases.

From Nuss to Wang: The Wang Procedure Gains Increasing International Recognition

Notably, during the conference, Dr. Natalya Baghumyan from Armenia’s Erebuni Medical Center provided a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles and surgical techniques of the Wang procedure - an innovative surgical method proposed by ICWS. Armenian experts are currently planning to introduce this innovative approach into their national clinical practice. Meanwhile, Dr. Sira Laohathai from Thailand shared the clinical application outcomes of the Wang procedure in his hospital, noting that 72 Wang procedures have been successfully performed so far with no cases of postoperative bar displacement. He emphasized that compared with the Nuss procedure, the Wang procedure offers distinct advantages in treating complex chest wall deformities—particularly for patients with severe or complicated conditions or those who have experienced Nuss procedure failure. The Wang procedure is now gaining increasing international recognition and is gradually emerging as one of the mainstream surgical options for treating pectus excavatum.

The conference served as a high - level platform for global experts in chest wall surgery to engage in exchange and collaboration, while showcasing China's comprehensive strength in surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, and academic development in the field. Moving forward, ICWS will continue to promote and implement advanced surgical techniques to offer simpler and more effective treatment options to patients worldwide.