Introduction
Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the front of the chest wall that causes a sunken breastbone (sternum) and ribs. Mild - to - moderate cases of this condition may require surgical intervention for both aesthetic and functional reasons. In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals that excel in performing surgeries for pectus excavatum. In this article, we will introduce the top 5 selected hospitals for mild - to - moderate pectus excavatum surgery in New York City, highlighting their features, advantages, and relevant medical information.
What is Pectus Excavatum?
Pectus excavatum is a condition also known as funnel or sunken chest. It is a congenital deformity where the breastbone (sternum) appears sunken and the chest concave. The majority of these cases are isolated findings, but some genetic conditions can also be associated with it.
The overgrowth of the rib cartilages before and after birth causes the characteristic depression of the sternum. Overgrowth commonly accelerates during puberty, and the condition may worsen during the teen years. Mild - to - moderate cases may cause poor posture, problems with bone growth and alignment later in life, and in some cases, affect breathing and cause chest pain, especially in adults.
Types of Pectus Excavatum Surgery
There are two main types of surgery to repair pectus excavatum:
| Type of Surgery |
Description |
| Open Surgery |
This is the more traditional approach. The surgeon makes a cut across the front part of the chest, removes the deformed cartilage while leaving the rib lining in place to allow the cartilage to grow back correctly. A cut is made in the breastbone, which is then moved to the correct location, and a metal strut may be used to hold the breastbone in place until it heals (which takes 3 to 12 months). A tube may be placed to drain fluids. The metal struts are removed in 6 to 12 months through a small cut under the arm, usually on an outpatient basis. |
| Closed (Minimally Invasive) Surgery |
Mostly used for children, no cartilage or bone is removed. The surgeon makes two small incisions, one on each side of the chest. A thoracoscope (a small video camera) is inserted through one of the incisions to view inside the chest. A curved steel bar shaped to fit the child is inserted through the incisions and placed under the breastbone to lift it. The bar is left in place for at least 2 years to help the breastbone grow properly. |
The Top 5 Selected Hospitals for Mild - to - Moderate Pectus Excavatum Surgery in New York City
NewYork - Presbyterian Queens
- **Features and Expertise**: NewYork - Presbyterian Queens has a highly sophisticated minimally invasive thoracic surgery program. Their thoracic surgeons, in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine, are well - versed in the latest surgical techniques and comprehensive care for chest - related diseases.
- **Pectus Excavatum Surgery**: The hospital offers a minimally invasive Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum. The majority of patients are able to have their surgery performed through a minimally invasive approach, which results in less blood loss, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker recovery and return to normal activities. This is also a viable option for many elderly and very ill patients who cannot tolerate conventional open surgery.
- **Multidisciplinary Team**: The hospital has a multidisciplinary team of thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, neurologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dedicated thoracic intensive care nurses, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, and social workers. This team collaborates to deliver seamless, high - quality care to patients before, during, and after their hospital stay.
NYU Langone Health
- **Overall Reputation**: NYU Langone is highly regarded in the medical field. In the 2023 - 2024 U.S. News rankings, it was recognized in multiple specialties such as diabetes & endocrinology, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, pulmonology & lung surgery, and urology.
- **Pectus Excavatum Care**: The hospital's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for pectus excavatum patients. They have access to the latest research and treatment methods, and the doctors are well - trained to handle various cases of pectus excavatum.
- **Patient - Centered Approach**: The hospital focuses on patient - centered care, tailoring treatment plans according to the individual needs of each patient. This personalized approach helps in achieving better treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Mount Sinai Hospital
- **Honors and Recognition**: Mount Sinai Hospital is included in the 2024 - 2025 U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" list. It was also ranked among the top hospitals for geriatrics in the 2023 - 2024 U.S. News rankings.
- **Pectus Excavatum Surgery Expertise**: The hospital has a comprehensive understanding of pectus excavatum repair. Their surgical team is experienced in both open and minimally invasive surgeries for this condition. They can provide detailed information about the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of the surgery to patients and their families.
- **Research and Innovation**: Mount Sinai is actively involved in medical research, which allows them to stay at the forefront of new treatment methods and techniques for pectus excavatum. This can lead to better surgical results and improved patient recovery.
New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
- **Broad - Based Excellence**: It is one of the top - ranked hospitals in many specialties, including cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, neurology & neurosurgery, and psychiatry according to the 2023 - 2024 U.S. News rankings.
- **Pediatric Pectus Excavatum Care**: At New York - Presbyterian / Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, pediatric surgeons have made significant advances in minimally invasive surgery for children. They have refined the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum, aiming for better outcomes and a lower likelihood of recurrence. The video - assisted repair is now the standard of care for this condition at the hospital.
- **Collaborative Environment**: The hospital has a collaborative environment where different departments work together. This synergy allows for a more comprehensive approach to patient care, especially for complex cases of pectus excavatum.
Johns Hopkins Children's Center (with a New York Presence through Affiliations)
- **Historical Significance**: Johns Hopkins was once the home of Mark Ravitch, who perfected the original open repair of pectus excavatum that bears his name. Alex Haller at Johns Hopkins also introduced the Haller index, which is now used worldwide to evaluate pectus patients.
- **Pectus Excavatum Program**: The pectus program at Johns Hopkins Children's Center comprises one of the most experienced pediatric surgical teams in the country specializing in treatment for chest wall deformities. They use the latest minimally invasive techniques, such as the modified Nuss procedure, which has decreased complications and achieved excellent clinical results.
- **Patient Support**: The team at Johns Hopkins supports young children and adolescents suffering from pectus excavatum before, during, and after correction. They provide comprehensive care, including patient education, pain management, and follow - up care.
How These Hospitals Stand Out in Pectus Excavatum Surgery
Advanced Surgical Techniques
All of the top 5 hospitals are at the forefront of using advanced surgical techniques for pectus excavatum. Minimally invasive procedures, such as the Nuss procedure, are commonly offered. These techniques result in less trauma to the patient, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries.
Multidisciplinary Teams
Each hospital has a multidisciplinary team that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurses, and other medical professionals. This teamwork ensures that patients receive comprehensive care throughout the treatment process, from diagnosis to post - operative follow - up. For example, in the case of a patient with pectus excavatum who also has underlying cardiac or respiratory issues, the multidisciplinary team can work together to manage all aspects of the patient's health.
Research and Innovation
These hospitals are actively involved in medical research related to pectus excavatum. This allows them to introduce new treatment methods, improve existing surgical techniques, and provide patients with access to the latest advancements in the field. For instance, they may conduct clinical trials on new types of surgical implants or pain management strategies.
Patient - Centered Care
Patient - centered care is a priority at these hospitals. They understand that undergoing pectus excavatum surgery can be a stressful experience for patients and their families. Therefore, they provide personalized treatment plans, patient education, and emotional support. The doctors take the time to explain the surgical procedure, risks, and expected outcomes to patients, ensuring that they are well - informed and comfortable with the treatment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Pectus Excavatum Surgery
Surgeon's Experience
The experience of the surgeon performing the pectus excavatum surgery is crucial. Look for surgeons who have a high volume of pectus excavatum surgeries under their belt. An experienced surgeon is more likely to handle any complications that may arise during the procedure and achieve better surgical outcomes.
Hospital Reputation
The overall reputation of the hospital matters. Hospitals with a good reputation in general and in the field of thoracic surgery are more likely to provide high - quality care. You can look at rankings such as the U.S. News & World Report "Best Hospitals" list to get an idea of a hospital's standing.
Treatment Options
Consider the range of treatment options available at the hospital. Some patients may be better candidates for minimally invasive surgery, while others may require open surgery. A hospital that offers both options can provide more flexibility in treatment.
Follow - Up Care
Good follow - up care is essential for a successful recovery from pectus excavatum surgery. Make sure the hospital has a comprehensive follow - up program that includes regular check - ups, monitoring of the patient's progress, and management of any post - operative complications.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several outstanding hospitals for mild - to - moderate pectus excavatum surgery. NewYork - Presbyterian Queens, NYU Langone Health, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, and Johns Hopkins Children's Center (through affiliations) all offer advanced surgical techniques, multidisciplinary teams, research - driven approaches, and patient - centered care.
When choosing a hospital for pectus excavatum surgery, it is important to consider factors such as the surgeon's experience, hospital reputation, treatment options, and follow - up care. By making an informed decision, patients can increase their chances of a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.
If you or someone you know is considering pectus excavatum surgery, we encourage you to further research these hospitals, schedule consultations, and gather more information. Share this article with others who may benefit from this knowledge and explore related topics on our website to stay informed about the latest advancements in pectus excavatum treatment.
