Introduction
Pectus excavatum is a condition that often affects children and adolescents, causing significant physical and psychological impacts. For 13 - year - olds in New York City facing this issue, finding the right hospital for surgery is crucial. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals in New York City for pectus excavatum surgery and whether the claim that most of the top three are public ones holds true.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum is a common chest wall abnormality where abnormally curved ribs are associated with the sternum (breastbone) being displaced backward toward the spine. This condition may be evident in early childhood and even infancy, but generally becomes more pronounced through adolescence. The sunken breastbone can cause shifting and compression of the heart and reduction in expansion of the lungs, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It can also have profound psychosocial effects on affected adolescents, who may become self - conscious about their appearance.
To determine the severity of pectus excavatum, the Haller index is commonly used. A normal Haller index is around 2.0 - 2.5, and a score of 3.2 - 3.25 or higher is often required to meet the criteria for surgical intervention. The higher the Haller index, the more severe the depression in the chest and the closer it is to the spine.
Top Hospitals for Pectus Excavatum Surgery in New York City
ColumbiaDoctors Children's Health
ColumbiaDoctors has a well - known Chest Wall Abnormalities Program. Their multidisciplinary medical team evaluates, monitors, and treats children and adolescents with a range of chest wall anomalies, including pectus excavatum. The team consists of pediatric surgeons who collaborate with doctors from other pediatric specialties, such as orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, cardiology, pulmonology, genetics, and radiology, as well as nurse practitioners, orthotists, and physical therapists.
They have extensive experience in using a minimally invasive approach to treat pectus excavatum. This minimally invasive technique means smaller incisions, less discomfort, shorter healing times, and less - noticeable scarring. Columbia is also part of the #1 ranked children’s hospital in New York by US News and World Report and one of the only designated level 1 pediatric surgery centers in the northeast, according to the American College of Surgeons. This reputation gives parents confidence in entrusting their 13 - year - olds to the care of Columbia's medical team.
Parents can contact Columbia's pediatric surgery program by calling (212) 342 - 8585 or requesting an appointment online. The hospital takes a family - first approach, allowing parents to accompany their child into the operating room until they are asleep and providing frequent updates during the procedure. After the operation, parents can be with their child in the recovery room as they awaken from anesthesia. Additionally, there are parental visiting hours 24 hours a day, and options for parental rooming - in with the child, along with parent support groups and other support services.
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for patients with pectus excavatum. Their doctors are highly trained and experienced in treating this condition. The hospital offers a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's condition, considering both the physical and psychological aspects.
While specific details about their surgical techniques for pectus excavatum are not as prominently highlighted in the provided sources as some other hospitals, it is known that they strive to provide individualized treatment plans. Parents can browse the list of providers who treat pectus excavatum on their website and schedule an appointment online. This accessibility and focus on personalized care make NYU Langone a viable option for 13 - year - olds in need of pectus excavatum surgery in New York City.
The Center of Excellence for Pectus
The Center of Excellence for Pectus, established in 2005, is a premier center for the Nuss procedure to treat pectus excavatum and evaluate all forms of pectus. Dr. Barry Losasso, the director of the center, has over 1,400 successful Nuss procedures completed. He trained with Dr. Donald Nuss, the founder of the Nuss procedure.
The best age to get the Nuss procedure is between 13 – 16 years old when the chest’s cartilage and bones are still malleable and easier to manipulate and bend into the correct shape. Dr. Losasso has successfully completed many Nuss procedures in patients as old as 53 years old. The center is also one of the only centers to perform chest wall reconstruction on children and adults ages 10 - 55 years old. Dr. Losasso performs the Nuss procedure at the award - winning Valley Hospital, while providing general surgical care for infants and children at other local medical centers such as Hackensack University Medical Center, Englewood Hospital Medical Center, Holy Name Medical Center, and St. Joseph’s University Medical Center.
Patients can contact the center by phone at 201 - 225 - 9440, fax at 848 - 235 - 7174, or via email at info@nuss procedure.com. The office is located at 30 West Century Road, Suite 235, Paramus, New Jersey 07652, and office hours are Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm.
Mount Sinai - New York
At Mount Sinai, the team of surgeons has joined forces to diagnose and manage chest wall conditions, including pectus excavatum. Their doctors work with world - class colleagues in pediatric and adult cardiology, pulmonology, genetics, orthopedic surgery, radiology, anesthesiology, and orthopedics. They also collaborate with interventionists and physical therapists to provide the latest treatment methods and surgical innovations for the best possible result.
The hospital individualizes diagnosis and treatment to meet the specific needs of each child. In addition to addressing the medical issues, they also take into account the psychosocial concerns that a child with pectus excavatum may face. Mount Sinai is also involved in research to develop more effective treatments and explore ways to prevent or improve chest wall conditions. They have already developed specialized instrumentation for chest wall surgery, which improves the process and outcomes.
Analysis of Public vs. Private Hospitals
To determine whether most of the top three hospitals for pectus excavatum surgery for 13 - year - olds in New York City are public ones, we need to understand the nature of these hospitals. ColumbiaDoctors is affiliated with Columbia University and NewYork - Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. While it is a well - respected academic medical center, it has a mix of public and private characteristics, as it is part of a large private university system but also serves a broad patient population and may receive some public funding for research and certain patient care programs.
NYU Langone Health is a private teaching hospital affiliated with New York University. It is funded primarily through private donations, patient revenues, and research grants from private and public sources.
The Center of Excellence for Pectus is a specialized private center focused on pectus treatment. It is not a traditional public hospital but provides high - quality surgical services for pectus excavatum.
Based on this analysis, it seems that among these well - known hospitals, there are more private or mixed - nature institutions than strictly public ones. However, the determination of "top three" can be subjective and may depend on various factors such as patient satisfaction, surgical success rates, and access to specialized treatments.
Other Considerations for Pectus Excavatum Surgery
Surgical Techniques
There are two main surgical procedures for pectus excavatum repair: the Ravitch procedure and the Nuss procedure. The Ravitch procedure is an older, more established method. An incision is made across the chest, just below the nipples, the deformed cartilage is removed, and the sternum is adjusted and repositioned. A supportive bar is placed to hold the structure in place during healing. The recovery period usually includes a hospital stay of 3 to 5 days, and the stabilizing bar is removed after about 6 months.
The Nuss procedure is a newer, minimally invasive technique. Two small cuts are made on either side of the rib cage, and a curved, titanium bar is placed under the sternum. A small camera is used to protect the organs inside the chest. Cryoablation of the nerves is performed to reduce pain, and the bar is rotated to reshape the chest. The bar stays in place for 2 to 3 years. This procedure is usually quicker, causes less blood loss, has smaller incisions, and results in faster recovery times, with a usual hospital stay of 1 to 2 days.
| Procedure | Incisions | Recovery Time | Blood Loss | Scarring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravitch Procedure | Large incision across the chest | 3 - 5 days hospital stay, bar removed after 6 months | Relatively more | More noticeable |
| Nuss Procedure | Two small cuts on either side of the rib cage | 1 - 2 days hospital stay, bar removed after 2 - 3 years | Less | Minimal |
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from pectus excavatum surgery varies from patient to patient. In general, patients can expect some pain and discomfort after the surgery, but hospitals have pain management teams to help control the pain. After the Nuss procedure, most patients can go home within a day or two, while the Ravitch procedure may require a longer hospital stay.
Patients will also need to follow up with their doctors regularly to monitor the healing process and ensure the proper alignment of the chest. Physical therapy may be recommended to help strengthen the chest muscles and improve overall function. It is important for parents to be involved in the aftercare process, following the doctor's instructions regarding activities, diet, and wound care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to pectus excavatum surgery for 13 - year - olds in New York City, there are several top - notch hospitals to choose from, including ColumbiaDoctors Children's Health, NYU Langone Health, The Center of Excellence for Pectus, and Mount Sinai - New York. However, based on the analysis, it does not seem that most of the top three hospitals are strictly public ones. Each hospital offers unique advantages, such as multidisciplinary teams, advanced surgical techniques, and a focus on patient - centered care.
If your 13 - year - old is suffering from pectus excavatum, it is highly recommended that you consult with the experts at these hospitals. Research the surgical techniques, recovery processes, and the hospital's reputation. Share this article with other parents who may be going through a similar situation, and encourage them to seek the best possible care for their children.
