Introduction

Pectus excavatum, commonly known as “funnel chest,” is a condition where a person's breastbone is sunken inward, leaving a dent in their chest. This condition can be evident in early childhood and often becomes more pronounced through adolescence. It may cause shifting and compression of the heart and a reduction in the expansion of the lungs, leading to various physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and chest wall pain. For children suffering from pectus excavatum in New York City, finding the right doctor is crucial for effective treatment. In this article, we will evaluate the top 5 selected doctors for children's pectus excavatum treatment in New York City.

What is Pectus Excavatum?

Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity. The abnormal curvature of the ribs causes the sternum (breastbone) to be displaced backward toward the spine. This not only has a physical impact on the child's body but can also have profound psychosocial effects on affected adolescents. Children with funnel chest may experience symptoms like shortness of breath, especially during physical activities, heart palpitations, chest wall pain, and dizziness. In more severe cases, it can interfere with the normal function of the heart and lungs.

It's important to note that the condition typically worsens as the child grows, and while some cases may only be a cosmetic concern, others require corrective surgery to improve the child's quality of life.

Importance of Choosing the Right Doctor

Selecting the appropriate doctor for treating children's pectus excavatum is of utmost importance. A skilled and experienced doctor can accurately diagnose the severity of the condition, recommend the most suitable treatment options, and perform surgeries with a high level of precision and safety. They can also provide comprehensive care and support throughout the treatment process, including pre - operative evaluations, surgical procedures, and post - operative follow - ups. A good doctor will also be able to address the concerns of both the child and their parents, ensuring a positive treatment experience.

Top 5 Selected Doctors for Children's Pectus Excavatum Treatment in New York City

Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein

Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein is a highly experienced professional in the field of treating chest wall anomalies, including pectus excavatum. He has 25 years of experience with the management of such conditions. He is an associate professor of surgery and pediatrics at Northwell Health and co - director of the Cohen Children's Hospital chest wall program.

Prior to joining Northwell, Dr. Bodenstein had an extensive academic background, having been on the faculty of Mount Sinai School of Medicine for 3 years, Columbia University/Children's Hospital of New York - Presbyterian for 13 years, and New York University/Langone Medical Center for 8 years. He received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from the Johns Hopkins University, an M.D. degree from Harvard Medical School, and a Ph.D. degree from Harvard University. He completed an internship and residency in general surgery and a fellowship in critical care at Beth Israel Hospital (Boston) and a fellowship in pediatric surgery at Babies’ Hospital of New York (currently Children's Hospital of New York - Presbyterian).

Dr. Bodenstein has been a Castle - Connolly “top doctor” for more than a decade. He has designed instrumentation currently in use in the surgical correction of pectus excavatum and is the principal investigator of a study to determine the underlying genetic basis of chest wall anomalies. He can be reached directly through his Manhattan office at (646) 455 - 8416 or via info@practustreatment.com.

Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein

Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein specializes in thoracic surgery, with a special focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum. He practices primarily in New York, NY, and is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

Dr. Gorenstein graduated from Canada in 1983 and completed his training at Univ Toronto Affil Hosp, UT MD Anderson Canc Ctr, and Univ Toronto Affil Hosp. He is board - certified in surgery and thoracic surgery. This certification indicates his high level of expertise and proficiency in performing surgeries related to pectus excavatum. His contact number is 866 - 721 - 8718.

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery is often preferred for treating pectus excavatum as it usually results in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times for patients. Dr. Gorenstein's specialization in this area makes him a valuable choice for children in need of pectus excavatum treatment.

Doctors from ColumbiaDoctors Children's Health

Columbia’s multidisciplinary medical team is involved in evaluating, monitoring, and treating children and adolescents with a range of chest wall anomalies, including pectus excavatum. The team consists of pediatric surgeons who provide care in collaboration with doctors from other pediatric specialties, including orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, cardiology, pulmonology, genetics, and radiology, as well as nurse practitioners, orthotists, and physical therapists.

This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the child's condition are addressed. For example, the cardiologists can assess the impact of pectus excavatum on the heart function, and the pulmonologists can evaluate the respiratory function. The plastic surgeons may be involved in cases where there are cosmetic concerns. The team's extensive experience in using a minimally invasive approach to treat pectus excavatum and in addressing pectus carinatum with bracing rather than surgery is a significant advantage. To make an appointment, you can call 212 - 342 - 8585.

Doctors from Mount Sinai - New York

At Mount Sinai, the pediatric surgeons provide exceptional surgical care for a wide range of medical conditions, including chest wall deformities such as pectus excavatum. They offer innovative minimally invasive surgical approaches for children of all ages, ranging from complex neonatal procedures to laparoscopic and thoracoscopic interventions for adolescents.

The surgeons at Mount Sinai strive to personalize treatment plans to improve the experience and outcomes of their young patients and their families. The hospital's focus on individualized care means that each child's unique needs and circumstances are taken into account during the treatment process. For example, if a child has other underlying health conditions, the treatment plan can be adjusted accordingly. This comprehensive and patient - centered approach makes Mount Sinai a strong option for children's pectus excavatum treatment.

NYU Langone Health Doctors

NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for patients with pectus excavatum. Their doctors are well - trained and experienced in dealing with chest wall deformities. By browsing the list of providers on their website, patients can choose a doctor who best suits their needs and preferences.

The hospital's commitment to personalized care means that the treatment plans are tailored to each child's specific condition. This may involve a combination of surgical and non - surgical treatments. For instance, in some cases, bracing may be recommended as an initial treatment option, while in more severe cases, surgery may be the best course of action. Patients can schedule an appointment online through the hospital's website.

Factors to Consider When Evaluating These Doctors

Experience

Experience is a crucial factor when evaluating doctors for children's pectus excavatum treatment. A doctor with more years of experience is likely to have encountered a wider variety of cases and developed better skills in handling complex situations. For example, Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein has 25 years of experience in managing chest wall anomalies, which gives him a deep understanding of the different aspects of pectus excavatum treatment. His long - standing experience also means that he has likely refined his surgical techniques over time, leading to better outcomes for patients.

Doctors who have been involved in numerous pectus excavatum surgeries are more likely to be familiar with potential complications and how to manage them effectively. This can significantly reduce the risks associated with the treatment and increase the chances of a successful outcome for the child.

Specialization

Specialization in the field of pectus excavatum or related areas is another important consideration. Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein specializes in thoracic surgery, with a specific focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery and pectus excavatum. This specialization allows him to have in - depth knowledge and expertise in performing surgeries related to pectus excavatum. Minimally invasive techniques can offer many benefits to patients, such as less pain, smaller scars, and shorter recovery times.

Doctors who are part of multidisciplinary teams, like those at ColumbiaDoctors Children's Health, also bring a wealth of specialized knowledge from different fields. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of the child's condition are properly evaluated and treated.

Reputation

A doctor's reputation can provide valuable insights into their skills and patient - care abilities. Doctors who have been recognized as “top doctors,” such as Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein, who has been a Castle - Connolly “top doctor” for more than a decade, are often highly regarded in the medical community. This recognition is based on factors such as peer - review, patient satisfaction, and clinical excellence.

Online reviews and testimonials from other patients can also give an indication of a doctor's reputation. Parents can look for feedback on patient forums, hospital websites, or other reliable sources to get an idea of the doctor's bedside manner, communication skills, and treatment outcomes.

Multidisciplinary Approach

As mentioned earlier, a multidisciplinary approach to treating pectus excavatum is beneficial. Institutions like ColumbiaDoctors Children's Health and Mount Sinai that offer a team - based approach can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan for children. For example, a cardiologist can work with a surgeon to ensure that the child's heart function is stable during and after surgery. A pulmonologist can assess the child's respiratory function and make appropriate recommendations. This collaborative effort among different specialists can lead to better treatment outcomes and a more holistic approach to the child's health.

Success Rates

Although specific success rates may be difficult to obtain for individual doctors, it is important to inquire about their overall track record in treating pectus excavatum. Success can be measured in terms of the correction of the chest deformity, improvement in the child's symptoms (such as reduced shortness of breath), and the absence of major complications. A doctor with a high success rate is more likely to achieve a positive outcome for the child.

It may be possible to find this information through hospital records, patient testimonials, or by asking the doctor directly. For example, doctors who have performed a large number of surgeries with a low rate of recurrence of the deformity or a high rate of patient satisfaction are generally considered more successful.

Treatment Options for Pectus Excavatum

Nuss Procedure

The Nuss procedure is a commonly used surgical method for treating pectus excavatum. It reshapes a sunken chest by placing a metal bar beneath the chest wall to push it outward. Surgeons make small incisions (often as short as three centimeters) on the sides of the chest to insert the metal bars. Then they use a camera to guide them as they fix the bar in place. These bars are left in place for 2 - 3 years. When the chest can hold the new shape on its own, the bars are removed.

The benefits of the Nuss procedure include creating more space for the heart and lungs to work properly, allowing children to engage in sports and other activities they couldn't or wouldn't try before. It is generally safer than other invasive chest wall operations that involve cutting away cartilage. However, there are some potential side effects and risks. Some children can have an allergic reaction to the steel bar in their body, and about 3% of all patients see their chest sink inward again in the years after the bar is removed.

Bracing

Bracing is a non - surgical treatment option that can be used, especially for milder cases of pectus excavatum or as an initial treatment approach. A brace is worn for a certain period of time each day to apply pressure to the chest and gradually correct the deformity. Bracing is often more suitable for younger children whose bones are still growing. It is a less invasive option compared to surgery and can be a good choice for families who are hesitant about surgical intervention. However, it requires consistent compliance from the child, as the brace needs to be worn for an extended period of time to achieve the desired results.

Other Surgical Procedures

In addition to the Nuss procedure, there are other surgical procedures that may be used to treat pectus excavatum in certain cases. These may involve more traditional open surgeries that are tailored to the specific needs of the patient. The decision to use a particular surgical procedure depends on factors such as the severity of the deformity, the child's age, and overall health. For example, in cases where the deformity is very severe and complex, a more invasive surgical approach may be necessary to achieve the best results.

Patient Experience and Support

A good doctor - patient relationship is essential during the treatment process. Doctors should be able to communicate effectively with both the child and their parents, explaining the diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks in a clear and understandable manner. They should also be empathetic and address the concerns and fears of the patients and their families.

Many institutions offer additional support services to help patients and their families through the treatment process. For example, CHOC offers a pectus family mentorship program that connects past pectus patients with new patients to assist families through the process. Some hospitals also have patient coordinators who can help arrange all medical care, travel plans, and appointments, ensuring a smooth treatment experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to children's pectus excavatum treatment in New York City, there are several top - notch doctors and institutions to choose from. Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein, Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, the teams at ColumbiaDoctors Children's Health, Mount Sinai - New York, and NYU Langone Health all have their unique strengths in terms of experience, specialization, and approach to treatment.

Parents should carefully consider factors such as the doctor's experience, specialization, reputation, multidisciplinary approach, and success rates when making a decision. They should also take into account the treatment options available and the level of patient support provided. By making an informed choice, parents can ensure that their child receives the best possible care for pectus excavatum.

If you suspect that your child may have pectus excavatum, don't hesitate to reach out to one of these experts for a consultation. It's important to address the condition as early as possible to improve your child's quality of life. Share this article with other parents who may be going through a similar situation to help them make an informed decision.