Ranking of Doctors in the Mild Pectus Excavatum Department in New York City + Case Sharing!
Introduction
Pectus excavatum, often referred to as “sunken chest,” is a condition that can impact both the physical and psychological well - being of patients. In New York City, there are several highly - skilled doctors specializing in the treatment of mild pectus excavatum. This article aims to rank these doctors and share relevant case studies to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.
Importance of Finding the Right Doctor for Pectus Excavatum
Selecting an experienced and competent doctor for the treatment of pectus excavatum is crucial. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan can significantly improve the patient's quality of life. Inadequate treatment may lead to continued physical discomfort, restricted breathing, and long - term health complications. Additionally, for many patients, especially adolescents, the aesthetic aspect of the chest deformity can cause significant psychological distress. A skilled doctor can address both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.
Ranking of Doctors in New York City for Mild Pectus Excavatum
Dr. Barry Losasso
Dr. Barry Losasso is highly regarded in the field of pectus excavatum treatment. He is a board - certified adult and pediatric general surgeon. Dr. Losasso has performed over 1,400 minimally invasive Nuss procedures to correct pectus excavatum in both adolescents and adults aged 10 - 55 years old. He trained with Dr. Donald Nuss, the creator of the Nuss procedure, at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter in Norfolk, Virginia. His office is located at 30 West Century Road, Suite 235, Paramus, New Jersey 07652. The contact information is phone: (201) 225 - 9440, email: info@nussprocedure.com. Many patients praise his detailed consultations, where he takes the time to answer all questions and illustrate the surgical procedure on the patient's chest.
Dr. Steven Stylianos
Dr. Steven Stylianos serves Columbia University as the Rudolph N Schullinger Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Surgery. He is also the surgeon - in - chief of the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital / New York Presbyterian. He has expertise in multiple areas including pectus excavatum, biliary atresia, endoscopic surgery, neonatal surgery, and pediatric surgery. He has received numerous honors such as New York magazine's top doctors from 2012 – 2022, the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association's 2016 champions award, and the American Trauma Society's 2016 NY state trauma medical director of distinction. His primary location is at CUIMC / New York - Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, 3959 Broadway, Floor 205 - N, New York, NY 10032. For appointments, patients can call (212) 342 - 8586. He has also been involved in a significant amount of research, as evidenced by his numerous publications in leading medical journals.
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein
Dr. Lyall Gorenstein specializes in thoracic surgery, with a special focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum. 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. He practices primarily in New York, NY, and is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Patients can reach him at 866 - 721 - 8718. His extensive training and focus on minimally invasive techniques make him a strong candidate for treating mild pectus excavatum cases.
Comparison of Doctors in Tabular Form
| Doctor's Name | Specialty | Years of Experience in Pectus Excavatum | Number of Procedures Performed | Training Background | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Barry Losasso | Adult and pediatric general surgeon | Since 1999 | Over 1,400 | Trained with Dr. Donald Nuss at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughter in Norfolk, Virginia | Phone: (201) 225 - 9440; Email: info@nussprocedure.com; Office: 30 West Century Road, Suite 235, Paramus, New Jersey 07652 |
| Dr. Steven Stylianos | Pediatric surgery, with pectus excavatum expertise | Many years (joined faculty in 1992) | Not specified, but extensive practice in related areas | Graduated from Rutgers University and the New York University School of Medicine. Completed general surgical training at Columbia - Presbyterian Medical Center, trauma fellowship at the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute in Boston, and pediatric surgery training at Boston Children's Hospital | Phone: (212) 342 - 8586; Primary location: CUIMC / New York - Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, 3959 Broadway, Floor 205 - N, New York, NY 10032 |
| Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein | Thoracic surgery (with focus on pectus excavatum) | Not specified, but long - term practice since 1983 graduation | Not specified | Graduated from Canada in 1983, training at Univ Toronto Affil Hosp, UT MD Anderson Canc Ctr, and Univ Toronto Affil Hosp | Phone: 866 - 721 - 8718; Affiliated with New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center |
Case Sharing
Case 1: The Success Story with Dr. Barry Losasso
A 19 - year - old boy from out - of - state had been suffering from pectus excavatum. His parents spent weeks researching doctors, especially those in New York City. They initially contacted several doctors in the area but were alarmed when they learned that most of them performed only six to eight pectus excavatum surgeries per year. Eventually, they found Dr. Barry Losasso. After a one - to - two - hour detailed consultation, they were convinced by Dr. Losasso's thoroughness. He took the time to illustrate the surgical process on the boy's chest and answered all their questions. Dr. Losasso had performed around 1,000 of these procedures and had experience with a wide age range of patients. The surgery was performed at the Valley Hospital of Ridgewood. The hospital team was great, and the post - surgery care in the pediatric wing was also excellent. The boy recovered well, and his parents were extremely satisfied with the results.
Case 2: Pediatric Case with Dr. Steven Stylianos
A young child was diagnosed with pectus excavatum. The parents were understandably worried about their child's condition. They turned to Dr. Steven Stylianos, given his reputation as a leading pediatric surgeon at Columbia University. Dr. Stylianos led a multi - disciplinary team to assess the child's case. He ordered the necessary imaging to measure the Haller index, which is used to determine the severity of pectus deformity. After a careful evaluation, a treatment plan was formulated. Thanks to Dr. Stylianos' experience and the advanced medical facilities at the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital / New York Presbyterian, the child's surgery was a success. The child showed significant improvement in breathing and overall well - being post - surgery.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Doctor
- Experience: Look for doctors who have performed a significant number of pectus excavatum surgeries. Experience often correlates with better surgical outcomes and a lower risk of complications.
- Training Background: Doctors who have trained with well - known experts in the field or have completed specialized fellowships are more likely to be up - to - date with the latest techniques and best practices.
- Patient Reviews: Reading reviews from previous patients can give you an idea of the doctor's bedside manner, communication skills, and the overall patient experience.
- Hospital Affiliation: A doctor's affiliated hospital should have modern facilities, a good reputation, and a skilled support staff to ensure a smooth surgical process and post - operative care.
- Communication Skills: A doctor who can clearly explain the diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks is essential for patients and their families to make informed decisions.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Mild Pectus Excavatum
Diagnosis
Doctors typically start the diagnosis process with a physical examination. They will observe the shape and severity of the chest depression. To determine the exact severity, imaging tests such as X - rays, CT scans, or MRIs are often ordered. The Haller index, calculated from the CT scan, is a common measurement. A normal Haller index ranges from 2.0 - 2.5, while a Haller index of 3.2 - 3.25 or higher may indicate a need for surgical intervention. However, other factors such as the patient's symptoms (e.g., chest pain, shortness of breath) are also taken into account.
Treatment
- Non - Surgical Treatment: For mild cases, non - surgical treatment options may include physical therapy and exercise. These can help strengthen the chest muscles and improve posture, which may reduce the appearance of the deformity and alleviate some symptoms. However, the effectiveness of non - surgical treatments may be limited in more severe cases.
- Surgical Treatment: The Nuss procedure is the most common surgical approach for pectus excavatum. It involves inserting a metal bar under the sternum to lift the chest into a more normal position. The bar is left in place for one to three years before being removed. This minimally invasive procedure has a relatively short recovery time compared to traditional open - chest surgeries. Some doctors may also use modified Nuss procedures depending on the patient's specific condition.
Conclusion
In New York City, patients with mild pectus excavatum have access to some of the best doctors in the field. Doctors like Dr. Barry Losasso, Dr. Steven Stylianos, and Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein offer a combination of experience, expertise, and patient - centered care. The case studies presented here highlight the positive outcomes that can be achieved with the right doctor and treatment plan. Whether through non - surgical or surgical means, proper treatment can significantly improve the physical and psychological well - being of patients with pectus excavatum.
If you or someone you know is dealing with mild pectus excavatum, we encourage you to research these doctors further, read more patient reviews, and schedule consultations to find the doctor that best suits your needs. Don't hesitate to take the first step towards a better quality of life. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information.
