Understanding Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum is a relatively common congenital deformity in which several ribs and the sternum (breastbone) grow abnormally, resulting in a caved - in, or sunken appearance. It occurs more often in males than in females, and approximately 40% of people with pectus excavatum have one or more family members with the defect. The condition may be present at birth or develop during puberty and can range from mild to severe.
Severe cases of pectus excavatum can affect lung capacity, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat. In some cases, it may also cause a heart murmur. The negative psychosocial effects, such as self - consciousness and difficult peer interactions, are also common in children and teenagers with this condition.
Diagnostic Tools
- Visual Examination: A simple visual check of the chest to note the shape and the degree of concavity.
- Auscultation: Analysis of sounds of the heart and chest to detect the condition's effect on heart and lung function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or 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: To get a basic view of the chest structure.
- CT - scan: For a more detailed view of the chest. The Haller index, which measures the extent of pectus excavatum, is calculated using the CT scan. A Haller index of greater than 3.25 is generally considered severe (a normal Haller index is 2.5).
Top Five Hospitals for Mild - to - Moderate Pectus Excavatum Surgery in New York City
1. NewYork - Presbyterian Queens
NewYork - Presbyterian Queens has a highly sophisticated minimally invasive thoracic surgery program. The hospital has earned a three - star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures, which places it among the elite for heart bypass surgery in the United States and Canada. This rating reflects the hospital's high - quality standards in surgical care.
Treatment for Pectus Excavatum
The thoracic surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian Queens, in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine, offer the latest in surgical techniques. They provide minimally invasive treatments for pectus excavatum, such as the minimally invasive Nuss procedure. This procedure is performed through small incisions, reducing blood loss, postoperative pain, and hospital stays. Patients are likely to experience a quicker recovery and return to normal activities.
Multidisciplinary Team
The hospital's multidisciplinary team includes 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.
Contact Information
Address: 56 - 45 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355. Phone: 718 - 670 - 2707.
2. NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Health is a well - known medical institution. Its team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for patients with pectus excavatum. They have a comprehensive approach to treating this condition, which takes into account the individual needs of each patient.
Medical Expertise
The doctors at NYU Langone are experienced in dealing with various types of pectus excavatum cases. They use the latest diagnostic tools and treatment methods to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. The hospital likely offers both surgical and non - surgical treatment options based on the severity of the condition.
Patient - Centered Care
The focus on personalized care means that patients receive treatment plans tailored to their specific situation. This includes considering factors such as the patient's age, overall health, and the psychological impact of the condition. The hospital also provides support services to help patients and their families throughout the treatment process.
Contact Information
Patients can browse the list of providers who treat pectus excavatum on their website and schedule an appointment online (https://nyulangone.org/doctors/condition/pectus - excavatum).
3. Mount Sinai Hospital
Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, NY is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. It is also high - performing in 20 procedures/conditions. This indicates the hospital's overall excellence in medical care, which includes the treatment of pectus excavatum.
Surgical Options
Mount Sinai offers two main 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, and repositioning the breastbone. The minimally invasive method, mostly used for children, involves making two small incisions, 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 the surgery, patients undergo a complete medical exam and various tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, and CT scan or MRI of the chest. After the surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. Pain management and proper wound care are carefully monitored, and patients are gradually guided back to normal activities.
Contact Information
Address: New York, NY 10029 - 0310. Phone: 1 - 332 - 239 - 6252.
4. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. It is high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions. The combination of its high - level rankings in multiple specialties makes it a reliable choice for pectus excavatum surgery.
Expert Surgeons
The hospital has a team of expert thoracic surgeons. For example, Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, who is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, specializes in thoracic surgery, with a special focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum. His expertise in minimally invasive techniques is an asset for patients seeking less invasive treatment options.
Treatment Options
They offer both the minimally invasive Nuss procedure and the modified Ravitch repair for pectus excavatum. The Nuss procedure uses video - assisted thoracoscopic surgery to insert a convex bar under the sternum, while the modified Ravitch repair involves removing small pieces of deformed chest cartilage and repositioning the ribs and sternum, with titanium bars secured for support.
Contact Information
Address: New York, NY 10065 - 4870. Phone: 1 - 862 - 214 - 7436.
5. Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health
Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties and is high - performing in 1 specialty and 16 procedures/conditions. It has a reputation for providing high - quality medical care across multiple fields, which includes the treatment of pectus excavatum.
Comprehensive Care
The hospital offers comprehensive care for patients with pectus excavatum. This includes pre - operative evaluation, surgical treatment, and post - operative rehabilitation. The medical staff works closely with patients to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Patient Support
Lenox Hill Hospital provides support services to help patients and their families cope with the physical and emotional aspects of pectus excavatum. This may include counseling, support groups, and educational resources.
Contact Information
Address: New York, NY 10075 - 1850. More information about the hospital's services can be obtained from their official channels.
Comparing the Hospitals
| Hospital Name | National Rankings | Surgical Techniques Offered | Multidisciplinary Team | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NewYork - Presbyterian Queens | Three - star rating from STS for CABG | Minimally invasive Nuss procedure | Thoracic surgeons, oncologists, pulmonologists, etc. | 56 - 45 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355; 718 - 670 - 2707 |
| NYU Langone Health | N/A | Advanced, personalized treatment options | Specialized doctors for pectus excavatum | Online appointment scheduling (https://nyulangone.org/doctors/condition/pectus - excavatum) |
| Mount Sinai Hospital | 12 adult and 4 pediatric specialties; high - performing in 20 procedures/conditions | Open and minimally invasive surgery | Complete medical and surgical team for pre - and post - operative care | New York, NY 10029 - 0310; 1 - 332 - 239 - 6252 |
| New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell | 14 adult and 10 pediatric specialties; high - performing in 1 specialty and 20 procedures/conditions | Nuss procedure and modified Ravitch repair | Expert thoracic surgeons and related medical professionals | New York, NY 10065 - 4870; 1 - 862 - 214 - 7436 |
| Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health | 10 adult specialties; high - performing in 1 specialty and 16 procedures/conditions | Comprehensive surgical and non - surgical options | Medical staff for pre - operative, surgical, and post - operative care | New York, NY 10075 - 1850 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, these top five hospitals in New York City - NewYork - Presbyterian Queens, NYU Langone Health, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, and Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health - offer high - quality surgical treatments for mild - to - moderate pectus excavatum. Each hospital has its own strengths, whether it's a high - level national ranking, a specialized multidisciplinary team, or advanced surgical techniques. Patients should carefully consider these factors, along with their own personal preferences and needs, when choosing a hospital for pectus excavatum surgery.
If you or someone you know is dealing with pectus excavatum, we encourage you to further explore the services offered by these hospitals. Contact them directly to get more detailed information and schedule a consultation. Share this article with others who might benefit from this information to help them make an informed decision about their treatment.
