Introduction

Pectus excavatum is a relatively common congenital deformity where the chest wall is sunken in, creating a caved - in appearance. Mild cases of pectus excavatum may not cause significant physical problems, but they can still have an impact on a patient's self - esteem. In New York City, there are several hospitals that offer excellent treatment options for mild pectus excavatum. This article will explore the top five hospitals in the city that are well - known for their expertise in treating this condition.

Understanding Mild Pectus Excavatum

What is Pectus Excavatum?

Pectus excavatum is a malformation of the chest wall in which several ribs and the sternum (breastbone) grow abnormally, resulting in a sunken appearance. It is more common in males than in females, and approximately 40% of people with pectus excavatum have one or more family members with the defect. The condition can be present at birth or develop during puberty and can range from mild to severe.

Symptoms of Mild Pectus Excavatum

In mild cases, symptoms may be less severe. Some patients may experience only mild chest pain or discomfort, and there may be minimal effects on lung and heart capacity. However, the most noticeable aspect for many patients is the cosmetic appearance of the sunken chest, which can lead to self - consciousness and affect social interactions, especially among adolescents.

Diagnosis of Mild Pectus Excavatum

Multiple tools are used to diagnose pectus excavatum and gauge its extent:

• Visual examination of the chest: A doctor can often detect the sunken appearance of the chest during a physical examination.
• Auscultation: Analysis of sounds of the heart and chest to detect the condition's effect on heart and lung function.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG, also called EKG): To check the electrical activity of the heart.
• Echocardiogram: A non - invasive test that takes a picture of the heart with sound waves.
• Pulmonary function testing: Involves breathing into a mouthpiece connected to an instrument that measures the amount of air breathed over a period of time.
• Chest x - ray: Can show the general structure of the chest and any obvious abnormalities.
• CT - scan: The Haller index, a measure of the extent of pectus excavatum, is calculated using the CT scan. It is the ratio of the horizontal distance of the inside of the rib cage and the shortest distance between the vertebrae and sternum. A normal Haller index is 2.0 - 2.5, and a value of greater than 3.25 is generally considered severe.

Top Five Hospitals for Mild Pectus Excavatum in New York City

1. Columbia University's Surgical Lung & Chest Care Program

Expertise and Reputation

As part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York - Presbyterian, it is consistently named one of New York's top hospitals and one of the top ten medical centers in the nation. The hospital's thoracic surgery team has extensive experience in treating a wide range of chest conditions, including pectus excavatum. They are leaders in the field, with achievements such as developing the largest lung transplant program in the north - atlantic, establishing a special program addressing lung disease in women, and creating the world's only comprehensive center for diaphragm disorders.

Treatment Approach

For pectus excavatum, the hospital offers both surgical and non - surgical treatment options. Surgical treatment, when necessary, may involve the minimally invasive Nuss procedure or the modified Ravitch repair. The ideal age for surgical treatment is between 12 and 18 years, but they also evaluate adult patients. Before surgery, a comprehensive evaluation is done, including the Haller index measurement, to determine the severity of the condition and the most appropriate treatment plan. After surgery, patients receive detailed post - operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Patient - Centered Care

The hospital emphasizes patient - centered care. They understand that patients with pectus excavatum not only have physical concerns but also emotional ones, especially related to body image. The medical team takes the time to communicate clearly with patients and their families, answering all questions and addressing any concerns. They are committed to individual respect and ensuring that patients feel comfortable throughout the treatment process.

Contact Information

Existing patients can call (212) 305 - 3408, and new patients can call (212) 304 - 7535. Appointments can also be requested online. The main location is at the Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 3rd floor, New York, New York 10032. There are also other offices in New Jersey, such as the Columbia Lung and Esophageal Center of New Jersey at 85 Harristown Road, #101, Glen Rock, NJ 07452, and Columbiadoctors Englewood at 25 Rockwood Place, Englewood, NJ 07631.

2. NYU Langone Health

Doctors' Expertise

NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for pectus excavatum. The hospital has a group of highly skilled surgeons and medical professionals who are well - versed in the latest treatment techniques for this condition. They stay updated with the latest research in the field to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Treatment Options

Similar to Columbia University, NYU Langone offers both surgical and non - surgical treatment methods. For surgical cases, the minimally invasive Nuss procedure is a common option. The hospital also has a comprehensive pre - operative evaluation process to determine the suitability of a patient for surgery. Non - surgical treatments may be recommended for mild cases or for patients who prefer non - invasive approaches.

Multidisciplinary Approach

The hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating pectus excavatum. This means that in addition to surgeons, other specialists such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, and physical therapists may be involved in the treatment plan. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's health are considered, leading to better treatment outcomes.

How to Make an Appointment

Patients can browse the list of providers who treat pectus excavatum on the NYU Langone website and schedule an appointment online. This convenient system allows patients to easily connect with the appropriate medical team.

3. The Center of Excellence for Pectus

Specialization in Pectus Procedures

Established in 2005, the Center of Excellence for Pectus is the premier center for the Nuss procedure to treat pectus excavatum and evaluate all forms of pectus. Dr. Barry Losasso, the lead surgeon, has been treating pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum for teens and adults since 1999. He trained with Dr. Donald Nuss, the founder of the Nuss procedure, and has completed over 1,400 successful Nuss procedures.

Patient - Specific Treatment

The center focuses on patient - specific treatment plans. Dr. Losasso evaluates each patient's condition carefully, taking into account factors such as the patient's age, the severity of the pectus deformity (measured by the Haller index), and the patient's overall health. He has successfully treated patients with Haller indexes of over 20, showing his expertise in handling complex cases.

Age Range of Treatment

The center is one of the only centers to perform chest wall reconstruction on children and adults ages 10 - 55 years old. The best age to get the Nuss procedure is between 13 – 16 years old when the chest's cartilage and bones are still malleable, but Dr. Losasso has also completed many successful procedures in older patients, up to 53 years old.

Contact Details

The office phone number is 201 - 225 - 9440, and the fax number is 848 - 235 - 7174. The email is info@nuss procedure.com. The office is located at 30 West Century Road, Suite 235, Paramus, New Jersey 07652. Office hours are from 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday, and it is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

4. Mount Sinai Hospital

Overall Hospital Reputation

Mount Sinai Hospital in New York is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. It is a well - respected institution known for its high - quality medical care and research. In the area of chest wall deformities, the hospital has a team of experienced surgeons and medical staff.

Pectus Excavatum Repair Options

The hospital offers two types of surgery to repair pectus excavatum: open surgery and closed (minimally invasive) surgery. Open surgery involves making a cut across the front part of the chest, removing the deformed cartilage, repositioning the breastbone, and using a metal strut to hold it in place. Closed surgery, mainly used for children, involves making two small incisions on each side of the chest, inserting a curved steel bar under the breastbone to lift it, and leaving the bar in place for at least 2 years.

Pre - and Post - Operative Care

Before surgery, a complete medical exam and medical tests are conducted, including an electrocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, and a CT scan or MRI of the chest. The medical team also takes a detailed medical history, including information about any medications the patient is taking and allergies. After surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days, depending on the recovery progress. Pain management is a key part of the post - operative care, and patients are encouraged to start light activities such as sitting up, taking deep breaths, and walking as soon as possible to aid in the healing process.

Contact Information

The contact number for Mount Sinai Hospital is 1 - 332 - 239 - 6252, and it is located at New York, NY 10029 - 0310.

5. Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health

Recognized in Multiple Specialties

Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health in New York is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. The hospital has a strong medical team that is capable of handling various medical conditions, including pectus excavatum. They have a reputation for providing high - quality, patient - centered care.

Treatment for Pectus Excavatum

The hospital offers treatment options for pectus excavatum based on the individual patient's needs. For surgical cases, they follow the latest surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes. They also provide comprehensive pre - operative and post - operative care, including patient education about the procedure and what to expect during the recovery period.

Patient - Family Support

Lenox Hill Hospital emphasizes the importance of patient - family support. They understand that having the support of family members can greatly impact a patient's recovery. The medical staff communicates with both the patient and their family, providing them with all the necessary information and answering any questions to help them feel more at ease during the treatment process.

Comparing the Hospitals

Conclusion

In New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals that offer excellent treatment options for mild pectus excavatum. Columbia University's Surgical Lung & Chest Care Program, NYU Langone Health, The Center of Excellence for Pectus, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health all have their unique strengths, whether it's their specialization, treatment options, or patient - centered care. Each hospital is committed to providing the best possible medical care and helping patients with pectus excavatum improve their physical health and self - confidence.

If you or someone you know is suffering from mild pectus excavatum, we encourage you to reach out to one of these hospitals. You can start by making an appointment and discussing your situation with the medical professionals. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about pectus excavatum treatment in New York City, and don't hesitate to explore related topics to gain a deeper understanding of this condition.