Introduction

Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the chest wall that causes the breastbone to sink into the chest, giving the appearance of a sunken or “funnel - shaped” chest. While this condition can be present in children and often corrected during their growth, there are also many adults who seek surgical intervention for pectus excavatum. In New York City, a medical hub renowned for its world - class healthcare facilities, several hospitals stand out for their expertise in adult pectus excavatum surgery. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking of these hospitals and also share some relevant cases to help patients make more informed decisions.

Understanding Pectus Excavatum

What is Pectus Excavatum?

Pectus excavatum is a relatively common chest wall deformity. As stated by Mount Sinai, it is a congenital condition where the front of the chest wall has a sunken breastbone (sternum) and ribs. In most cases, it is not associated with other conditions, but in some instances, it can be part of certain genetic disorders. During the teen years, the deformity may worsen.

Reasons for Surgical Intervention in Adults

Although surgery for pectus excavatum is often considered in children, adults also opt for surgery. The most common reasons in adults are related to improving the appearance of the chest wall, as the condition can cause self - esteem issues. In addition, severe deformities can lead to chest pain and impact breathing ability, affecting the individual's quality of life and physical activities.

Types of Pectus Excavatum Surgery

There are two main types of surgeries for pectus excavatum repair, as described by Mount Sinai. The open surgery is the more traditional approach. Here, the surgeon makes a cut across the front of the chest, removes the deformed cartilage, cuts the breastbone, and moves it to the correct position using a metal strut. The strut is usually removed after 6 - 12 months. The closed (minimally invasive) method, often used for children, involves making two small incisions on each side of the chest, inserting a thoracoscope to view inside, and placing a curved steel bar under the breastbone to lift it. The bar is left in place for at least 2 years.

Ranking of Hospitals in New York City for Adult Pectus Excavatum Surgery

Methodology for Ranking

The ranking is based on several factors, including national rankings in relevant specialties, patient outcomes, the experience of the medical staff, and the availability of advanced treatment options. The data is sourced from top Google search results, particularly from U.S. News, which evaluates hospitals based on a wide range of criteria such as patient care, nurse staffing, and services.

Top - Ranked Hospitals

1. Hospital for Special Surgery

According to U.S. News, Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, NY is a top - tier institution. It is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties and 1 pediatric specialty. In orthopedics, it ranks #1 in the nation, scoring 100.0/100. This high ranking indicates its excellence in treating musculoskeletal conditions, which is highly relevant for pectus excavatum surgery that involves the chest wall. The hospital has a long - standing reputation as a world - leading academic medical center, specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. It has a team of highly skilled doctors with extensive experience in handling complex surgical cases.

2. NYU Langone Hospitals

NYU Langone Hospitals are also a prominent choice. They are nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. NYU Langone orthopedic hospital specifically ranks #4 in orthopedics hospitals in New York, scoring 75.8/100. The hospital has a dedicated team of doctors for treating pectus excavatum. Patients can browse through the list of providers on their official website and schedule an appointment online, which shows their patient - centric approach.

3. Mount Sinai Hospital

Mount Sinai Hospital in New York is another well - regarded facility. It is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. In orthopedics, it ranks #8 in the New York area, with a score of 67.6/100. The hospital offers detailed information about pectus excavatum repair on its health library, including the surgical procedures, risks, pre - and post - operative care, which reflects its commitment to patient education.

4. New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell

This hospital is nationally ranked in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. In the orthopedics ranking for New York, it comes in at #10 with a score of 66.6/100. It has a vast network of medical professionals and access to advanced medical technologies, providing comprehensive care for patients undergoing pectus excavatum surgery.

5. Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health

Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health is nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. In orthopedics, it ranks #17 in New York with a score of 60.8/100. The hospital has a team of doctors experienced in various surgical procedures, including those related to chest wall deformities.

Case Sharing

Case 1: Mr. John Smith at Hospital for Special Surgery

Mr. John Smith, a 32 - year - old man, had suffered from pectus excavatum since childhood. The deformity became more pronounced over the years, causing him chest pain and shortness of breath during physical activities. He decided to seek treatment at Hospital for Special Surgery. After a thorough evaluation by a team of orthopedic and thoracic surgeons, they recommended an open surgery. The surgical team was able to correct the deformity successfully. Post - surgery, Mr. Smith reported a significant improvement in his breathing and a boost in his self - confidence. He was able to resume his regular exercise routine within a few months, with close follow - up by the hospital's medical staff.

Case 2: Ms. Emily Johnson at NYU Langone Hospitals

Ms. Emily Johnson, a 28 - year - old woman, had pectus excavatum that was mainly a cosmetic concern for her. She was worried about her appearance and the impact it had on her self - esteem. At NYU Langone Hospitals, the doctors suggested a minimally invasive approach. The procedure was performed using the latest techniques and equipment. Ms. Johnson had a relatively short hospital stay and quick recovery. She was very satisfied with the results, not only with the improved appearance of her chest but also with the overall patient experience at the hospital.

Case 3: Mr. David Brown at Mount Sinai Hospital

Mr. David Brown, a 40 - year - old man, had pectus excavatum that was affecting his quality of life due to chronic chest pain. At Mount Sinai Hospital, the medical team provided him with comprehensive pre - operative education, explaining the risks and benefits of the surgery. The open surgery was performed with precision. After the surgery, Mr. Brown's pain reduced significantly, and he was able to lead a more active lifestyle. The hospital's follow - up care also ensured that he recovered well.

Choosing the Right Hospital

When choosing a hospital for adult pectus excavatum surgery in New York City, patients should consider several factors. The hospital's reputation and national rankings in relevant specialties are crucial. A hospital with a high ranking is more likely to have experienced medical staff, advanced treatment options, and better patient outcomes. It is also important to consider the location and convenience of the hospital, especially for follow - up appointments. Additionally, patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care, patient experience, and the effectiveness of the surgical procedures.

Preparing for Pectus Excavatum Surgery

Medical Evaluation

Before the surgery, patients will need to undergo a complete medical exam. This includes 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. These tests help the medical team understand the patient's overall health and the extent of the pectus excavatum deformity.

Medication Management

Patients should inform the surgeon or nurse about all the medicines they are taking, including prescription drugs, herbs, vitamins, and supplements. About 7 days before surgery, they may be asked to stop taking blood - thinning drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and warfarin. However, patients should consult their doctor to find out which drugs they should still take on the day of surgery.

Pre - operative Instructions

On the day of surgery, patients will likely be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before. They should give themselves any drugs as instructed by the surgeon with a small sip of water and arrive at the hospital on time. The surgeon will check for any signs of illness before the surgery, and if the patient is ill, the surgery may be postponed.

Post - operative Care and Recovery

Hospital Stay

It is common for patients to stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days after pectus excavatum surgery. The length of the stay depends on how well the recovery is progressing. During this time, patients may receive strong pain medicine either through an IV or an epidural catheter in the spine. They may also have tubes in the chest around the surgical cuts to drain extra fluid, which will be removed when the drainage stops.

Recovery at Home

After being discharged from the hospital, patients will receive a prescription for pain medicine. At home, they should follow the doctor's instructions for caring for the surgical site, taking medications, and gradually increasing their activities. Initially, they will not be able to bend, twist, or roll from side to side. As the recovery progresses, they can slowly resume normal activities under the guidance of the medical team.

Conclusion

In 2025, New York City offers several excellent hospitals for adult pectus excavatum surgery. Hospitals like Hospital for Special Surgery, NYU Langone Hospitals, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell, and Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health have proven their expertise in treating this condition. Through the shared cases, we can see that patients can achieve positive outcomes in terms of both physical and psychological well - being. When considering surgery, patients should carefully evaluate the different hospitals based on their rankings, reputation, and suitability for their individual needs.

If you or someone you know is suffering from pectus excavatum and considering surgery, take the time to research these hospitals further. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information and explore related topics on our website to gain more knowledge about pectus excavatum and other related medical conditions.