Introduction to the top 3 hospitals for minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery for 27 - year - olds in New York City in 2025!

Pectus excavatum is a relatively common chest wall deformity that can have physical and psychological impacts on patients. For 27 - year - olds in New York City seeking minimally invasive surgery for pectus excavatum, choosing the right hospital is crucial. In this article, we will introduce the top 3 hospitals in New York City for this type of surgery, taking into account their treatment options, medical teams, and success rates.

What is Pectus Excavatum?

Pectus excavatum, sometimes referred to as funnel breast, funnel chest, or sunken chest, is a defect in which the sternum (the breastbone) is abnormally depressed. It occurs in about one in 1,000 people and is more common in males than females. The deformity in the chest wall can be seen at birth or show up later during childhood or puberty and often worsens during the adolescent years.

The cause of pectus excavatum is not known. It has been proposed that abnormalities of the connective tissue or cartilage of the rib cage lead to abnormal growth of the chest wall. The symptoms of pectus excavatum are often related to the severity of the defect and may include difficulty taking a full breath, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, pain in the chest, and decreased ability to tolerate exercise or keep up with peers. Some patients with pectus excavatum have no symptoms or minimal symptoms and seek treatment to correct the appearance of the chest.

Top 3 Hospitals in New York City for Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Surgery

1. Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Treatment Options

Columbia University Irving Medical Center offers multiple corrective surgeries for pectus excavatum. The minimally invasive nuss procedure is one of the primary options. This procedure is performed with general anesthesia using video - assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). A horizontal passage is created underneath the sternum through two small incisions in the side of the chest. A convex bar known as the lorenz pectus bar is specially shaped to fit the individual’s anatomy, inserted through the passage, and then turned to push the sternum outward. The bar must remain in place for a minimum of three years while the chest contour re - forms to its new shape, and it is removed as an outpatient procedure.

In addition to the nuss procedure, they also offer the modified ravitch repair. Under general anesthesia, utilizing a horizontal incision, the modified ravitch technique involves removing small pieces of deformed chest cartilage and repositioning the protruding ribs and sternum. Titanium bars are secured to the ribs and sternum to support the repaired chest architecture, and these bars can remain permanently in place, avoiding the need for a second operation.

Medical Team

The medical team at Columbia University Irving Medical Center consists of experienced surgeons and healthcare professionals. The surgical team is well - versed in performing both the nuss procedure and the modified ravitch repair, and they have the expertise to handle the specific needs of 27 - year - old patients. They also have access to advanced diagnostic tools and follow a comprehensive treatment approach that takes into account the patient's overall health and individual circumstances.

Success Rates

Many adults have undergone minimally invasive pectus repair with the nuss procedure at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and the results appear to be as good as with the modified ravitch procedure. Surgical repair at this hospital has excellent success rates, and oftentimes, cardiovascular and lung function returns to near normal in the majority of cases. After surgery, most people leave the hospital within 3 to 5 days and can return to school or work within two to three weeks, while avoiding vigorous exercise for the first month after surgery and contact sports for three months after surgery.

2. NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital

Treatment Options

NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital provides a wide range of treatment options for pectus excavatum. Similar to other leading hospitals, they offer the nuss procedure, which is the state - of - the - art minimally invasive surgical care for most patients. With this procedure, a stabilizing bar is placed under the breastbone to correct the depression of the chest. It is associated with reduced operating time and minimal blood loss compared to traditional surgical approaches.

For patients who may not be suitable for the nuss procedure, they also offer the ravitch procedure. This procedure was the standard treatment for pectus excavatum before the introduction of the nuss procedure and involves the removal of abnormal cartilage to correct the depression of the chest.

Medical Team

The hospital's multidisciplinary team includes specialists in adult thoracic surgery, physical therapy, and other related fields. They use a team approach to develop a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. The surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital are highly skilled and have extensive experience in performing pectus excavatum surgeries. They stay updated with the latest research and techniques in the field to provide the best possible care to their patients.

Success Rates

The nuss procedure at NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital has been documented to achieve excellent long - term correction of pectus excavatum. Studies show that less than five percent of patients have the chest deformity come back after the bar is removed following the nuss procedure. The hospital's focus on comprehensive pre - and post - operative care also contributes to the high success rates of the surgeries.

3. Mount Sinai Hospital

Treatment Options

Mount Sinai Hospital offers a comprehensive approach to pectus excavatum treatment. The minimally invasive nuss procedure is a key option. During the nuss procedure at Mount Sinai, the surgical team uses advanced techniques to ensure the safe placement of the bar under the sternum. They also pay attention to minimizing post - operative pain and optimizing the patient's recovery process.

Similar to other hospitals, they also offer the ravitch procedure as an alternative for patients with specific anatomical or medical conditions that may not be suitable for the nuss procedure.

Medical Team

The medical team at Mount Sinai Hospital is composed of experts in thoracic surgery, anesthesiology, and physical therapy. The surgeons are trained in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques and are committed to providing personalized care to each patient. They work closely with other specialists to ensure that the patient receives the most appropriate treatment and support throughout the entire process, from diagnosis to recovery.

Success Rates

Mount Sinai Hospital has a high success rate in treating pectus excavatum. The minimally invasive nature of the nuss procedure performed at the hospital allows for a quicker recovery and less scarring. Patients can expect to have a significant improvement in their chest appearance and symptoms after surgery. The hospital also conducts follow - up studies to monitor the long - term outcomes of the surgeries and make adjustments to the treatment protocols as needed.

Pre - operative and Post - operative Considerations

Pre - operative

Before surgery at any of these hospitals, all patients undergo a complete medical evaluation to determine the potential effects of pectus excavatum on their heart and lung function. Additional testing may be recommended, including a CT or MRI scan of the chest, pulmonary (lung) function tests, and cardiac (heart) echocardiography. Patients are also advised to follow an exercise program before surgery to improve posture and help reshape the chest. Consultation with a physical therapist may be needed for some patients to get the best results.

Post - operative

The recovery after pectus excavatum repair varies depending on the patient’s age and the amount of chest depression. Most patients are in the hospital for a few days after surgery. They are recommended to avoid vigorous exercise for the first month after surgery and contact sports for three months after surgery. The bar inserted during the nuss procedure is removed during an outpatient (same - day) procedure between two and four years after insertion. The long - term care also includes regular follow - up visits to the hospital to monitor the patient's recovery and ensure that there are no complications.

Comparison of the Three Hospitals

Conclusion

For 27 - year - olds in New York City seeking minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital, and Mount Sinai Hospital are all excellent choices. These hospitals offer a variety of treatment options, have experienced medical teams, and high success rates. Each hospital has its own strengths in terms of treatment techniques, pre - operative and post - operative care. Before making a decision, patients should consult with the medical teams at these hospitals to understand the specific treatment plans and determine which hospital is the most suitable for their individual needs.

If you or someone you know is dealing with pectus excavatum and is considering surgery, we encourage you to take the next step. Contact one of these top hospitals in New York City to schedule a consultation. Learn more about the treatment options available and make an informed decision for a better quality of life.