Introduction to Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken chest or funnel chest, is a congenital condition where the breastbone is sunken into the chest. It occurs when an abnormal growth of cartilage within the chest wall pushes the sternum, or breast bone, and ribs inward, creating a caved - in or sunken appearance. This condition can cause various issues, especially for kids, teens, and young adults. In mild cases, the appearance may cause the individual to be self - conscious about how they look. In severe cases, it can cause problems with the lungs or heart, such as chest pain and affect breathing, largely in adults.
Popular Hospitals for Pectus Excavatum Correction in New York City
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for pectus excavatum. Their doctors have the expertise and experience to handle different cases of this condition. Patients can browse the list of providers who treat pectus excavatum on their official website and schedule an appointment online. This convenience makes it easier for patients and their families to seek the necessary medical attention promptly.
Stony Brook Medicine
Stony Brook Medicine's cardiothoracic and pediatric surgery divisions have created a chest wall clinic for pectus excavatum (PE) patients and their families. Here, they can meet the surgeons, devise a treatment plan, schedule any required preoperative tests, and create a system to follow up on these patients during their post - op recovery.
Treatment: Nuss Procedure with Cryoablation: Stony Brook's surgeons use the Nuss procedure with cryoablation to treat PE patients. The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive surgery named for Dr. Donald Nuss. It is usually done on adolescents/young adults because their chest structure is still malleable enough to be fixed with the Nuss bar. This procedure is done under general anesthesia, using a laparoscope and only requiring small incisions on each side of the chest. Cryoablation is used to freeze the nerves in the chest, helping to reduce post - op pain and make recovery a little bit easier. A U - shaped titanium bar is placed through one of the incisions, rotated so the U - shape is facing down, and then attached to the patient's chest wall with stitches. The bar is usually kept in for two to three years and is removed with a minor surgical procedure.
Compared to the Ravitch procedure (an older, more invasive operation), the Nuss procedure at Stony Brook Medicine has several advantages. The Ravitch procedure, introduced in 1949, entailed cutting open the patient's chest and reconstructing it, requiring a long hospital stay, long recovery period, and the patient often experienced more post - op pain, which required stronger medications. In contrast, Nuss procedure patients at Stony Brook usually stay overnight in the hospital (longer stays are uncommon). Opioid use is reduced because of the minimally invasive aspect and cryoablation part of this procedure. The patients may be sore for the first few weeks and full recovery from the surgery may take up to six months, but most are back to regular activities much sooner. Heavy lifting and contact sports should be avoided during the healing period. Stony Brook Medicine's surgeons are currently the only ones offering the Nuss procedure with cryoablation in Suffolk County. The chest wall clinic is held on Fridays at Stony Brook Medicine's surgical care center at 37 Research Way in East Setauket, New York. Potential patients can call 631 - 444 - 2293 for patients under 18 and 631 - 444 - 2981 for patients over 18.
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai offers surgery to correct pectus excavatum. There are two types of surgery available at this hospital:
| Open Surgery | Closed (Minimally Invasive) Surgery |
|---|---|
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Reasons for Surgery: The most common reason for pectus excavatum repair is to improve the appearance of the chest wall. Sometimes, when the deformity is severe, it can cause chest pain and affect breathing, especially in adults. Surgery is mostly done on children who are 12 to 16 years old, but not before age 6. It can also be done on adults in their early 20s.
Pre - and Post - operative Considerations: Before the procedure, a complete medical exam and medical tests are needed, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), possibly an echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, and a CT scan or MRI of the chest. Patients also need to inform the surgeon about medicines they are taking and any allergies. In the days before surgery, some blood - thinning drugs may need to be stopped. After the procedure, children usually stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. Pain is managed with various medications, and tubes in the chest may be present to drain extra fluid. Activities will be gradually increased, and patients will receive instructions for at - home care.
Columbia University
Columbia University's surgical lung & chest care program provides up - to - date options for all chest conditions, including pectus excavatum. 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 program's experts 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. They focus on treating people, with a commitment to individual respect and clear communication. Existing patients can call (212) 305 - 3408, and new patients can call (212) 304 - 7535 to make an appointment. The main location is the Herbert Irving Pavilion at 161 Fort Washington Avenue, 3rd floor, New York, New York 10032.
Pectus Treatment (Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein)
Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein is a general and thoracic pediatric surgeon with over 25 years of experience in the evaluation and management of pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, and other chest wall anomalies. He is an associate professor of surgery and pediatrics at Northwell Health and co - director of the Cohen Children’s Medical Center chest wall program. Dr. Bodenstein will evaluate each patient and work with the patient and their family to tailor a personal treatment plan. Where additional specialists are required, he will arrange for appropriate consultations and coordinate care. To schedule an appointment at one of their Manhattan locations or to ask questions, patients can call 646 - 455 - 8416 or reach out through email at info@pectustreatment.com.
Comparative Analysis of Treatment Options at Different Hospitals
Different hospitals in New York City offer various treatment options for pectus excavatum, and patients and their families need to consider multiple factors when choosing the right hospital and treatment.
| Hospital | Treatment Option | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook Medicine | Nuss Procedure with Cryoablation | Minimally invasive, reduces post - op pain with cryoablation, shorter hospital stay, quicker recovery time, and high patient satisfaction rate (95.6% satisfaction or very satisfaction) | The bar needs to be left in place for 2 - 3 years, and during the healing period, heavy lifting and contact sports are restricted |
| Mount Sinai - New York | Open and Closed Surgery | Open surgery allows for more direct correction and cartilage removal; closed surgery is less invasive and more suitable for children, with no cartilage or bone removal | Open surgery has a longer recovery period, more post - op pain, and potential for complications; closed surgery still requires the bar to be in place for at least 2 years |
Patient Considerations
When a patient or their family is considering pectus excavatum correction in New York City, they should take the following factors into account:
- Expertise of the Medical Team: Look at the experience and qualifications of the doctors and surgeons at each hospital. For example, at NYU Langone, the team is dedicated to providing advanced and personalized care. Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein at Pectus Treatment has over 25 years of experience in this field.
- Treatment Options: Understand the different surgical and non - surgical options available. Some patients may prefer minimally invasive procedures like the Nuss procedure with cryoablation at Stony Brook Medicine, while others may opt for traditional open surgery depending on the severity of their condition.
- Recovery Process: Consider the length of hospital stay, post - op pain management, and the time it takes to fully recover. This can vary depending on the treatment option chosen and the hospital's protocols.
- Location and Accessibility: The proximity of the hospital to the patient's home can be an important factor, especially for follow - up appointments. For example, Columbia University has multiple locations in New York and New Jersey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers several popular hospitals for pectus excavatum correction, each with its own unique features and treatment options. NYU Langone Health provides personalized care, Stony Brook Medicine offers the innovative Nuss procedure with cryoablation, Mount Sinai has both open and closed surgical methods, Columbia University is a top - ranked medical center with comprehensive chest care, and Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein at Pectus Treatment has extensive experience in evaluating and managing the condition. Patients and their families should carefully weigh the factors such as the expertise of the medical team, treatment options, recovery process, and location when making a decision.
If you or someone you know is suffering from pectus excavatum, don't hesitate to explore these options. Reach out to the hospitals directly to learn more about their services, schedule consultations, and take the first step towards correcting this condition and improving the quality of life. Share this information with others who may benefit from it, and continue to educate yourself about pectus excavatum and the available treatment methods.
