Introduction
Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall anomaly where the ribs and sternum grow inward, causing a sunken chest. It can range from mild to severe, and in more serious cases, it can affect the heart and lungs. For parents in New York City looking for the best medical care to treat their children's pectus excavatum, this article aims to provide a comprehensive inventory of the top - ranked hospitals and introduce some well - reputed doctors.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum in Children
Definition and Causes
Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken chest syndrome or funnel chest, is the most common chest wall disorder in children. It occurs in approximately one out of 1,000 children, and boys are about five times more likely to be affected than girls. The exact cause of pectus excavatum is unknown. It can run in families, although there's no known genetic link. Abnormal development of the ribs or the cartilage that connects the sternum and ribs may also be a contributing factor. Additionally, it can be associated with other health conditions such as Ehlers - Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and scoliosis.
Symptoms
In mild cases, pectus excavatum may not cause any symptoms. However, in more severe cases, it can lead to various problems. The most obvious sign is a sunken - looking chest in the sternum area, and it may also cause rib flare, where the lower ribs stick out. Other symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath (especially on exertion), dizziness, fatigue, heart murmur, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and exercise intolerance.
Diagnosis
Doctors can often diagnose pectus excavatum with a physical examination of the chest. In addition to the physical exam, they may order several tests, such as chest CT scans or MRIs to show if the condition is compressing the heart or lungs, chest x - rays to check if the heart is displaced, echocardiograms to provide imaging of the heart, electrocardiograms to measure the heart's electrical activity, exercise stress tests to measure exercise tolerance, genetic tests to diagnose related genetic conditions, and pulmonary function tests to evaluate lung function.
Treatment Options
- Non - surgical Options:
- Physical Therapy: Exercises focusing on the chest and core can help strengthen chest muscles and improve posture for minor cases of pectus excavatum.
- Vacuum Bell Device: This device improves the look of the chest and is generally used in younger people with minor severity. It is worn on the chest and connected to a hand - pump, which provides negative pressure to pull the chest forward. Daily use over a span of months may improve minor cases.
- Surgical Options:
- Nuss Procedure: A minimally invasive thoracoscopic option. Surgeons make two small cuts on either side of the chest, insert a curved metal bar underneath the sternum, and attach it to the ribs. The bar typically remains in place for three years before being removed during an outpatient procedure. It has several advantages, including smaller incisions, reduced scarring, reduced operating time, less blood loss, and an early return to regular activity.
- Ravitch Procedure: A more invasive open surgery. An incision is made across the chest, the deformed cartilage is removed, and the sternum is adjusted and repositioned. A supportive bar is placed to help hold the structure in place. It is typically used in cases where pectus excavatum recurs.
Ranking List of Hospitals for Treating Pectus Excavatum in Children in New York City
New York - Presbyterian Children’s Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital is nationally ranked in 10 pediatric specialties. It has a comprehensive team of experts, including pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses who are well - versed in treating pectus excavatum. The hospital offers both surgical and non - surgical treatment options, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques like the Nuss procedure. The experienced medical staff ensures that each child receives personalized care from diagnosis to recovery.
Contact Information: Phone: 1 - 385 - 469 - 6653, Address: New York, NY 10065 - 4870
Cohen Children's Medical Center
Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY is nationally ranked in 8 pediatric specialties. The hospital has advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess the severity of pectus excavatum. Their treatment approach is patient - centered, and they are skilled in performing the latest surgical techniques to correct the condition. They also provide post - operative care and rehabilitation programs to ensure a smooth recovery for the children.
Contact Information: Address: New Hyde Park, NY 11040 - 1496
Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital
Nationally ranked in 4 children's specialties, Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital has a team of pediatric experts who are experienced in treating chest wall deformities. They offer a multidisciplinary approach to pectus excavatum treatment, involving cardiologists, pulmonologists, and surgeons. The hospital is committed to providing high - quality care with a focus on minimizing pain and scarring during the treatment process.
Contact Information: Address: New York, NY 10029 - 0310
Children's Hospital at Montefiore
This hospital in the Bronx, NY is nationally ranked in 3 pediatric specialties. The Children's Hospital at Montefiore has a dedicated pediatric surgery department that offers comprehensive treatment for pectus excavatum. They use the latest medical technologies and evidence - based practices to ensure the best outcomes for their young patients. Their post - surgical follow - up care is well - organized to monitor the recovery progress.
Contact Information: Address: Bronx, NY 10467 - 2401
Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone
Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, ranked in 3 pediatric specialties, has a team of doctors dedicated to providing advanced, personalized care for pectus excavatum. They offer a range of treatment options and are actively involved in research to improve treatment methods. The hospital also has a patient - friendly environment, which can help reduce the anxiety of children during the treatment process.
Contact Information: Phone: 1 - 646 - 846 - 4763, Address: New York, NY 10016 - 6402
Lerner Children’s Pavilion - Hospital for Special Surgery
Although nationally ranked in 1 pediatric specialty, Lerner Children’s Pavilion - Hospital for Special Surgery has expertise in treating orthopedic and chest wall - related conditions in children. Their surgeons are skilled in performing both the Nuss and Ravitch procedures, and they focus on achieving the best aesthetic and functional results for the patients.
Contact Information: Address: New York, NY 10021 - 4898
MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, ranked in 1 pediatric specialty, may be involved in cases where pectus excavatum is associated with other health conditions. Their multi - disciplinary approach can provide comprehensive care that takes into account all aspects of the child's health. They have access to advanced medical resources and a team of specialists who can handle complex cases.
Contact Information: Phone: 1 - 409 - 449 - 6167, Address: New York, NY 10065 - 6007
Well - Reputed Doctors for Treating Pectus Excavatum in New York City
Doctors at NYU Langone
NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for pectus excavatum. Their doctors are highly trained and experienced in both surgical and non - surgical treatment options. They stay updated with the latest research and techniques in the field to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. To schedule an appointment, patients can visit their official website or contact the hospital directly.
Website: NYU Langone Doctors for Pectus Excavatum
Comparisons between Hospitals
| Hospital Name | National Ranking in Pediatric Specialties | Treatment Focus | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York - Presbyterian Children’s Hospital - Columbia and Cornell | 10 | Comprehensive treatment with a focus on minimally invasive techniques | Highly ranked in multiple specialties, experienced medical staff |
| Cohen Children's Medical Center | 8 | Advanced diagnostic tools and patient - centered approach | Skilled in latest surgical techniques, good post - operative care |
| Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital | 4 | Multidisciplinary approach | Minimizes pain and scarring, team of experts |
| Children's Hospital at Montefiore | 3 | Evidence - based practices and post - surgical follow - up | Dedicated pediatric surgery department, uses latest technologies |
| Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone | 3 | Advanced, personalized care and research - driven treatment | Patient - friendly environment, range of treatment options |
| Lerner Children’s Pavilion - Hospital for Special Surgery | 1 | Orthopedic and chest wall - related expertise | Skilled in Nuss and Ravitch procedures, good aesthetic results |
| MSK Kids at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | 1 | Multi - disciplinary care for complex cases | Access to advanced medical resources |
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to treating pectus excavatum in children in New York City, there are several excellent hospitals to choose from. Each hospital has its own unique strengths, whether it's a high national ranking in pediatric specialties, a focus on minimally invasive techniques, or a multi - disciplinary approach. The well - reputed doctors in these hospitals are committed to providing the best possible care for young patients. Parents should consider factors such as the hospital's expertise, treatment options, and the doctor's experience when making a decision.
Call - to - Action: If you have a child with pectus excavatum, we encourage you to reach out to one of the hospitals mentioned in this article. You can schedule a consultation to learn more about the treatment options and get the best care for your child. Share this article with other parents who may be in need of this information, and explore more resources on pediatric health and chest wall deformities.
