Introduction to the ranking list of hospitals for adolescent pectus excavatum correction in New York City in 2025

Adolescent pectus excavatum, often known as sunken chest or funnel chest, is a prevalent congenital anomaly of the chest wall. It usually becomes more obvious during adolescence, potentially causing both physical and psychological problems for young individuals. In New York City, several hospitals offer high - quality treatments for this condition. This article will introduce the ranking list of hospitals for adolescent pectus excavatum correction in New York City, exploring the facilities, their specialties, and treatment methods.

Understanding Adolescent Pectus Excavatum

Definition and Prevalence

Pectus excavatum occurs when an abnormal growth of cartilage within the chest wall pushes the sternum and ribs inward, creating a caved - in or sunken appearance. According to Lurie Children's Hospital, it is the most frequent congenital anomaly of the chest wall, occurring in 1 in 400 births, and is found in 2.6 percent of children aged 7 – 14. It often becomes more prominent during adolescence, a period of rapid bone growth. Boys are more commonly affected than girls, and in some cases, there may be a family tendency for the condition.

Symptoms and Impact

• Physical Symptoms: In mild cases, there may be no obvious symptoms. However, in more severe cases, the condition can cause shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, and palpitations. The abnormal chest shape can also place pressure on the heart and lungs, affecting their normal function over time. For example, as the child grows, the ribs' faster growth compared to the heart and lung expansion can push the sternum further inward, exacerbating the symptoms.
• Psychological Impact: During adolescence, appearance becomes a significant concern. The caved - in appearance of the chest can make teenagers self - conscious, leading to anxiety and a negative body image. This can potentially affect their social lives and overall well - being.

Diagnosis

Because of the visual nature of this condition, pectus excavatum can usually be initially diagnosed by physical examination of the chest wall. However, depending on the symptoms and clinical findings, the medical team may request a series of tests. These can include an echocardiogram to assess heart function, a pulmonary function test to check breathing capacity, and a CT scan to precisely measure the depth and extent of the chest cavity deformation. The Haller index, calculated from the CT scan, is often used to determine the severity of the pectus excavatum, with a ratio greater than 3.25 indicating moderate to severe cases.

Treatment Options for Adolescent Pectus Excavatum

Non - surgical Treatment

Initial care for pectus excavatum may involve monitoring the patient's growth and chest - specific physical therapy. Physical therapy can help strengthen the chest muscles, potentially improving the appearance and function of the chest wall. Some physical therapy programs may include exercises to correct posture, improve breathing patterns, and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Regular follow - ups in a chest wall deformities clinic are also essential to track the progression of the condition and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

Surgical Treatment

Ravitch Procedure

The Ravitch procedure is a traditional open - surgery method for correcting pectus excavatum. In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision across the front part of the chest. The deformed cartilage is removed, and the rib lining is left in place to allow the cartilage to grow back correctly. A cut is then made in the breastbone, which is moved to the correct location. A metal strut or support piece is often inserted to hold the breastbone in the normal position until it heals, which usually takes 3 to 12 months. The metal struts are removed in 6 to 12 months through a small cut in the skin under the arm, typically on an outpatient basis. This procedure is well - suited for patients who do not wish to have a bar in place for more than one year and those with highly asymmetric chest wall deformities or problematic lower rib flaring.

Nuss Procedure

The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon makes two small incisions, one on each side of the chest. A small video camera called a thoracoscope is placed through one of the incisions to view inside the chest. A curved steel bar, custom - shaped to fit the child, is inserted through the incisions and placed under the breastbone. The purpose of the bar is to lift the breastbone. The bar remains in place for two to three years to help the breastbone grow properly. Since the incisions are small, the Nuss procedure results in less obvious scarring compared to the Ravitch procedure. Cryoablation may also be used to reduce pain after surgery by freezing the nerves above and below the bar on each side of the chest.

Ranking List of Hospitals for Adolescent Pectus Excavatum Correction in New York City

Top - Ranked Hospitals Overview

U.S. News evaluated 207 hospitals in New York, and 33 of them meet high standards and are ranked in the state. In New York City, several hospitals stand out for their treatment of adolescent pectus excavatum. The following is a detailed introduction to some of the top - ranked hospitals:

New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell

New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell is highly regarded in the medical field. It is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. The pediatric surgery program at Columbia, part of this hospital, offers comprehensive care for children with various surgical needs, including pectus excavatum correction. They take a family - first approach, ensuring that parents are involved in the child's surgical journey as much as possible. Their surgeons are experienced in using minimally - invasive techniques for pectus excavatum repair, which means smaller incisions, less discomfort, shorter healing times, and less - noticeable scarring. The hospital also has access to advanced medical resources and participates in research to continuously improve treatment methods.

Mount Sinai Hospital

Mount Sinai Hospital is another top - tier hospital in New York City. Nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties, it offers high - quality care for adolescent pectus excavatum. The hospital has a team of experts who are well - versed in both the Ravitch and Nuss procedures. They can provide personalized treatment plans based on each patient's specific condition and needs. In addition, Mount Sinai Hospital is actively involved in research related to chest wall deformities, which allows them to stay at the forefront of treatment options.

NYU Langone Hospitals

NYU Langone Hospitals is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. The hospital's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for patients with pectus excavatum. They offer a range of treatment options and have the expertise to handle complex cases. The hospital's facilities are state - of - the - art, and they are committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for their patients. Patients can easily schedule an appointment online to see the doctors who specialize in pectus excavatum treatment at NYU Langone.

North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health

North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties. While its focus on pediatric specialties may not be as extensive as some of the other hospitals on this list, it still provides high - quality care for adolescent pectus excavatum. The hospital has a team of experienced surgeons who can perform both surgical and non - surgical treatments for this condition. They also have a comprehensive post - operative care program to ensure the smooth recovery of patients.

Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health

Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. It offers treatment for pectus excavatum with a patient - centered approach. The hospital's medical staff is committed to providing compassionate care and personalized treatment plans. They have the necessary resources and expertise to perform pectus excavatum correction surgeries, whether it is the Ravitch or Nuss procedure, and to support patients throughout the treatment process.

Preparing for Pectus Excavatum Surgery

Before Surgery

• Medical Exams and Tests: A complete medical exam and a series of medical tests are necessary before pectus excavatum surgery. These may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart function, pulmonary function tests to check breathing, and a CT scan or MRI of the chest to accurately evaluate the condition. It is important to inform the surgeon or nurse about all the medications the child is taking, including non - prescription drugs, herbs, vitamins, or supplements, as well as any allergies the child may have to medicine, latex, tape, or skin cleanser.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: About 7 days before surgery, the child may be asked to stop taking certain blood - thinning drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and warfarin. On the day of surgery, the child will likely be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before. However, the child should take any drugs that the surgeon specifically told them to take with a small sip of water. Arriving at the hospital on time is also crucial.

After Surgery

Hospital Stay

For both the Ravitch and Nuss procedures, the average hospital stay is 4 to 7 days. During this time, the medical team will closely monitor the patient's recovery, manage pain, and ensure that there are no complications. Pain management may involve a combination of intravenous (IV) and oral pain medications, such as through an epidural catheter or a patient - controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. As the patient recovers, they will gradually be transitioned to oral pain medications in preparation for discharge.

Wound Care

Proper wound care is essential to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. The surgical site should be kept clean and dry. Patients and their families will receive detailed instructions on how to care for the wound, including how to change dressings and what signs of infection to watch for.

Activity Restrictions

Patients are generally advised to abstain from heavy physical exertion for about 6 weeks after surgery. This includes avoiding carrying heavy backpacks on the shoulder for three months. They can start light aerobic activities such as walking and breathing exercises 6 weeks after surgery. Stronger cardiovascular conditioning activities like running, swimming, and biking can be gradually introduced after 6 weeks. However, patients should avoid intense sports for some time and take precautions to avoid a forcible blow to the chest to prevent the bar from shifting.

Conclusion

Adolescent pectus excavatum can have a significant impact on a young person's physical and psychological health. Fortunately, in New York City, there are several top - ranked hospitals that offer high - quality treatment for this condition. These hospitals, such as New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, Mount Sinai Hospital, NYU Langone Hospitals, North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health, and Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health, have experienced medical teams, advanced treatment options, and comprehensive post - operative care programs. Whether it is through non - surgical methods or surgical procedures like the Ravitch and Nuss procedures, patients can receive personalized care to address their specific needs. If you or someone you know is dealing with adolescent pectus excavatum, consider exploring these hospitals and their treatment options.

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