Introduction
Pediatric pectus excavatum, also known as “sunken chest” or “funnel chest,” is a common chest wall malformation in children. It can not only affect a child's appearance but also cause functional problems, such as breathing difficulties and reduced exercise tolerance. In New York City, there are several outstanding plastic surgery hospitals that offer high - quality treatment for pediatric pectus excavatum. This article will introduce the top three hospitals in detail, along with some price - related references.
1. Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York - Presbyterian
Hospital Overview
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top five children's hospitals in the country, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York - Presbyterian has a long - standing reputation for providing excellent pediatric care. It is affiliated with Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and is dedicated solely to the care of children, serving as a major international referral center.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum Treatment
It is the only hospital regionally to offer minimal access surgical repair of pectus excavatum. The minimally invasive Nuss procedure, or video - assisted pectus excavatum repair, allows for a complete repair without the need for a highly invasive procedure involving rib resections and fracture of the sternum. The hospital's surgical team is well - trained in the latest minimal access techniques. A team of specialized surgeons and operating room staff uses the latest specialized equipment in a child - and parent - friendly environment. The OR - 1 integrated operating room, opened in January 2005, gives surgeons advanced control and a clear view during the surgery.
Treatment Process
- Initial Consultation: Parents need to schedule an appointment for their children. During the consultation, the surgeon will review the child's condition and determine the best treatment plan.
- Pre - operative Tests: Chest x - rays and CT scans may be conducted to measure the severity of the pectus excavatum using the Haller index. Other tests such as pulmonary function tests and echocardiograms may also be ordered.
- Surgery: For the Nuss procedure, two small cuts are made on either side of the rib cage, and a curved, titanium bar is placed under the sternum. Cryoablation of the nerves is performed to reduce pain.
- Recovery: Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, the hospital stay is relatively short, usually 1 - 2 days. The bar stays in place for 2 - 3 years to reshape the chest and is then removed in an outpatient procedure.
Price Reference
The cost of pectus excavatum treatment at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, length of hospital stay, and any additional tests or treatments required. Generally, the surgical fee for the Nuss procedure can range from $30,000 to $50,000. This does not include pre - operative tests, post - operative care, and hospital stay fees. Hospital stay fees can be around $1,000 - $2,000 per day, and additional costs for tests and medications can add up to several thousand dollars more.
2. Johns Hopkins Children's Center (though based in Baltimore, it has a significant influence in New York and is a top - choice for many)
Hospital Overview
Johns Hopkins Children's Center is well - known for its expertise in pediatric surgical specialties. It has a long - standing history of innovation in the field of pectus excavatum treatment. It was once the home of Mark Ravitch, who perfected the original open repair of pectus excavatum (the Ravitch procedure), and Alex Haller, who introduced the Haller index, a widely used measurement for pectus excavatum severity.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum Treatment
The pectus program at Johns Hopkins Children's Center comprises one of the most experienced pediatric surgical teams in the country. Paul Colombani modified the minimally invasive Nuss procedure, allowing for improved safety during the procedure and greater stability of the bar. The modified Nuss procedure at the center has led to decreased complications and excellent clinical results.
Treatment Process
- Consultation: Parents can schedule an appointment with an experienced general pediatric surgeon. The surgeon will review the child's condition and discuss the best correction method.
- Diagnosis: CT scanning is used to calculate the Haller index. A ratio greater than 3.25 is considered a moderate to severe defect. Additional tests like pulmonary function tests and echocardiograms may also be carried out.
- Surgery: The Nuss procedure is the preferred treatment. One or more stabilizing metal bars are placed inside the rib cage to move the sternum forward. Cryoablation is used to reduce post - surgical pain.
- Recovery: The average length of hospital stay is two to three days. The bars are removed in a separate outpatient procedure after 2 - 3 years.
Price Reference
Similar to other hospitals, the cost at Johns Hopkins Children's Center is affected by multiple factors. The surgical cost for the Nuss procedure can be in the range of $25,000 - $45,000. Pre - operative diagnostic tests can cost around $5,000 - $10,000. Hospital stay fees might be approximately $800 - $1,500 per day, and post - operative follow - up care and medications can add another few thousand dollars.
3. Mount Sinai - New York
Hospital Overview
Mount Sinai offers comprehensive pediatric plastic surgery services. It treats children from birth to age 21, addressing a wide range of conditions from the top of the head to the bottom of the foot. The hospital strives to provide individualized care to each child, using the most advanced techniques in state - of - the - art facilities.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum Treatment
While Mount Sinai may be better - known for other pediatric plastic surgery conditions, its surgical team is also well - equipped to handle pectus excavatum cases. The surgeons are experienced and highly trained, and they follow the latest medical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pectus excavatum. They work in a multidisciplinary environment, collaborating with other specialists such as pediatricians, cardiologists, and pulmonologists to ensure the best outcome for the child.
Treatment Process
- Referral and Consultation: Most patients come to the hospital through a referral from pediatricians, pediatric general surgeons, or pediatric neurologists. A consultation is then scheduled, where the surgeon will assess the child's condition and explain the treatment options.
- Diagnostic Tests: Chest x - rays, CT scans, pulmonary function tests, and echocardiograms may be performed to evaluate the severity of the pectus excavatum and the overall health of the child.
- Surgery: Depending on the case, either the Ravitch procedure or the Nuss procedure may be recommended. The Ravitch procedure involves an incision across the chest, removal of deformed cartilage, and repositioning of the sternum with a supportive bar. The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive option as described above.
- Recovery: Recovery time depends on the procedure chosen. For the Ravitch procedure, the hospital stay may be 3 - 5 days, and the stabilizing bar is removed after about 6 months. For the Nuss procedure, the hospital stay is usually 1 - 2 days, and the bar is removed after 2 - 3 years.
Price Reference
The cost of pectus excavatum treatment at Mount Sinai also varies. The Ravitch procedure may cost between $35,000 - $55,000 due to its more invasive nature and longer hospital stay. The Nuss procedure, being less invasive, may cost $20,000 - $40,000. Pre - operative tests can cost around $3,000 - $8,000, and hospital stay fees can range from $700 - $1,200 per day.
Comparison of the Three Hospitals
| Hospital | Specialty Highlights | Treatment Options | Recovery Time | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York - Presbyterian | Minimal access surgical repair, state - of - the - art OR - 1 operating room | Nuss procedure | 1 - 2 days hospital stay for Nuss; bar removed after 2 - 3 years | $30,000 - $50,000 for surgery + additional fees |
| Johns Hopkins Children's Center | Modified Nuss procedure, long - standing history in pectus treatment | Nuss procedure | 2 - 3 days hospital stay; bar removed after 2 - 3 years | $25,000 - $45,000 for surgery + additional fees |
| Mount Sinai - New York | Comprehensive pediatric plastic surgery, multidisciplinary approach | Ravitch or Nuss procedure | 3 - 5 days for Ravitch (bar removed after 6 months); 1 - 2 days for Nuss (bar removed after 2 - 3 years) | $20,000 - $55,000 for surgery + additional fees |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York - Presbyterian, Johns Hopkins Children's Center, and Mount Sinai - New York are all excellent choices for pediatric pectus excavatum treatment in the New York City area. Each hospital has its own unique advantages in terms of surgical techniques, experience, and facilities. When considering treatment for your child, it is important to consult with the medical teams at these hospitals to understand the specific treatment options, risks, and expected outcomes. Additionally, the price references provided are only approximations, and actual costs may vary depending on individual circumstances.
If you are a parent concerned about your child's pectus excavatum, we encourage you to take the next step. Contact these hospitals to schedule a consultation and learn more about how they can help your child achieve a better quality of life. Share this article with other parents who may also be in need of this information, and stay informed about the latest developments in pediatric pectus excavatum treatment.
