Introduction
Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the chest wall that results in a sunken or concave appearance of the breastbone. For individuals affected by this condition, finding the right doctor and institution for correction surgery is crucial. In New York City, there are several top - notch doctors and institutions known for their expertise in pectus excavatum correction surgery. This article will delve into the rankings and details of these medical professionals and facilities.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum and Its Surgical Correction
Pectus excavatum can have a significant impact on a patient's physical and psychological well - being. Physically, it can cause chest pain, breathing difficulties, and reduced exercise tolerance, especially in severe cases. Psychologically, it can lead to self - esteem issues due to the visible deformity.
There are two main types of surgeries for pectus excavatum correction: open surgery and closed (minimally invasive) surgery. Open surgery involves making an incision across the front of the chest, removing deformed cartilage, and repositioning the breastbone with the help of a metal strut. Closed surgery, commonly used for children, involves inserting a curved steel bar under the breastbone through small incisions to lift it and guide proper growth.
Doctors Specialized in Pectus Excavatum Correction in New York City
Mount Sinai Doctors
Mount Sinai has a team of highly qualified doctors for pectus excavatum correction. Here are some of the notable doctors:
- Dong - Seok Lee, MD: A thoracic surgeon at Mount Sinai Doctors. He has a practice at the Ruttenberg Treatment Center, 1470 Madison Avenue, 3rd floor, New York, NY, 10029. With a contact number of 212 - 241 - 4325, he has a rating of 4.9 stars. This high rating indicates his patients' satisfaction with his treatment and surgical skills.
- Andrea Wolf, MD: Also in the thoracic surgery department at Mount Sinai Doctors, based at the same Ruttenberg Treatment Center. Her contact number is 212 - 241 - 9502. Her expertise in pectus excavatum correction makes her a sought - after doctor in the area.
- Daniel G Nicastri, MD: Practicing at Mount Sinai Doctors - Yonkers, 1086 North Broadway, Yonkers, NY, 10701. His contact number is 212 - 241 - 6845. He has availability for appointments on Monday, Jun 5 at 9:00 am, which gives patients a chance to consult with him for their pectus excavatum concerns.
- Brian Housman, MD: With expertise in thoracic surgery and general surgery, he works at Mount Sinai Doctors - Greenlawn, 5 Cuba Hill Rd, Greenlawn, NY, 11740. Contact him at 631 - 628 - 5000. His dual - specialty knowledge allows for a more comprehensive approach to patient care.
- John Tackett, MD, MHS: At the Mount Sinai Hospital, 5 E 98th st., 14th floor, suite C, New York, NY, 10029. Contact number is 212 - 241 - 1608. He also has a 4.9 - star rating, reflecting his excellent performance in treating patients with pectus excavatum.
- Andrew J Kaufman, MD: A thoracic and general surgeon at the Ruttenberg Treatment Center, 1470 Madison Avenue, 3rd floor, New York, NY, 10029. You can reach him at 212 - 241 - 8842. His combined surgical skills make him well - equipped to handle complex cases of pectus excavatum.
- Raja M Flores, MD: Specialized in surgery and thoracic surgery at Mount Sinai Doctors, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029. Contact number is 212 - 241 - 9466. His extensive experience in these fields contributes to the high - quality care provided at Mount Sinai for pectus excavatum patients.
New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein is a well - known thoracic surgeon at this institution. He graduated from Canada in 1983 and completed his training at Univ Toronto Affil Hosp, UT MD Anderson Canc Ctr, and Univ Toronto Affil Hosp. He is board - certified in surgery and thoracic surgery. His special focus includes minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum. Contact him at 866 - 721 - 8718. His training and board certifications give patients confidence in his ability to perform successful pectus excavatum correction surgeries.
Columbia University Department of Surgery
Jeffrey L. Zitsman, MD, is another significant figure. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in natural sciences and received his M.D. from Tufts University Medical School in 1976. He is board - certified in general surgery and pediatric surgery and also holds a certificate of special competence in surgical critical care. His areas of interest include applications of minimally invasive techniques in pediatric surgery, chest wall deformities, and weight loss surgery in adolescents. He has been named to Castle Connolly’s best doctors in the New York area list annually since 2002. You can call (212) 342 - 8585 for appointments. His long - standing reputation and extensive research in relevant fields make him a valuable doctor for pectus excavatum patients, especially those in the pediatric age group.
Institutions for Pectus Excavatum Correction in New York City
Mount Sinai - New York
Mount Sinai offers comprehensive care for pectus excavatum patients. The institution is well - equipped with advanced medical technology for accurate diagnosis and surgical procedures. Their team of doctors, as mentioned above, has a wide range of expertise and experience. They also provide pre - operative and post - operative care, including medical exams, counseling, and follow - up visits. The Ruttenberg Treatment Center and other affiliated clinics offer a comfortable and professional environment for patients. For example, the availability of multiple doctors with different specialties allows for a more holistic approach to patient treatment.
New York - Presbyterian Queens
The thoracic surgery program at New York - Presbyterian Queens is one of the most sophisticated minimally invasive thoracic surgery programs in the world. It 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. Their team of thoracic surgeons, in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine, provides the latest in surgical techniques for pectus excavatum, including the minimally invasive Nuss procedure. The institution also offers a multidisciplinary approach, with a team of medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialists working together to ensure the best possible care for patients. Their state - of - the - art diagnostic, surgical, and intensive care units contribute to better patient outcomes and a quicker recovery process.
Factors Affecting the Ranking of Doctors and Institutions
Experience
Doctors with a long - standing practice in pectus excavatum correction are more likely to be highly ranked. For example, Dr. Jeffrey L. Zitsman has been practicing since 1985 and has performed over 500 minimal access weight loss procedures. His years of experience give him a deep understanding of different cases and the ability to handle complications that may arise during surgery.
Patient Reviews and Ratings
High patient ratings, such as the 4.9 - star ratings of some Mount Sinai doctors, indicate patient satisfaction. Positive reviews from patients who have undergone successful surgeries are a strong indicator of a doctor's or institution's quality of care. These reviews can be found on various medical review platforms and provide valuable insights for potential patients.
Advanced Technology and Techniques
Institutions that offer the latest surgical techniques, like the minimally invasive procedures at New York - Presbyterian Queens, are more likely to be ranked higher. These advanced techniques result in less pain, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays for patients. Doctors who are trained in these modern techniques are also more in demand as they can provide better treatment options.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Institutions that adopt a multidisciplinary approach, such as New York - Presbyterian Queens with its team of various specialists, can provide more comprehensive care. This approach ensures that all aspects of a patient's condition, including physical, psychological, and long - term health, are considered during the treatment process.
Pre - operative and Post - operative Care
Before pectus excavatum correction surgery, patients need to undergo a series of medical exams. At Mount Sinai, for example, surgeons will order an electrocardiogram (ECG) and possibly an echocardiogram to assess heart function, pulmonary function tests to check for breathing problems, and a CT scan or MRI of the chest. Patients are also required to inform the doctor about the medicines they are taking and any allergies they may have. About 7 days before surgery, patients may need to stop taking certain blood - thinning drugs.
After surgery, patients usually stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days. Pain management is a crucial part of post - operative care. In the initial days, patients may receive strong pain medicine through an IV or an epidural, followed by oral pain medications. Chest tubes are often placed to drain extra fluid, and they are removed when the drainage stops. Patients are encouraged to start sitting up, taking deep breaths, and walking as soon as possible to aid in the healing process.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several outstanding doctors and institutions for pectus excavatum correction surgery. Mount Sinai with its team of skilled doctors, and New York - Presbyterian Queens with its advanced thoracic surgery program, offer high - quality care for patients. Factors such as doctor experience, patient reviews, use of advanced technology, and a multidisciplinary approach all contribute to the ranking of these medical providers. Whether you are a patient seeking treatment or a family member looking for the best care for a loved one, it is important to consider these factors when making a decision.
If you or someone you know is suffering from pectus excavatum, we encourage you to reach out to these doctors and institutions. Consult with them to learn more about the surgical options, pre - operative and post - operative care, and expected outcomes. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information, and explore related topics such as the latest research in pectus excavatum treatment and recovery tips.
