Introduction
Children's pectus excavatum is a deformity that occurs in approximately one out of 1,000 children, characterized by a concavity of the sternum and being about five times more common in boys than girls. It usually starts as a mild condition at birth and may become more pronounced over time, sometimes accompanied by additional symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and related skeletal syndromes. When seeking treatment for this condition in New York City, finding the right hospital is crucial for parents. In this article, we will present a ranking of hospitals for treating children's pectus excavatum in New York City, based on national rankings and relevant pediatric specialty data.
Overview of Children's Pectus Excavatum
What is Pectus Excavatum?
Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken chest syndrome, is the most common chest wall disorder. The disorder is mainly characterized by the concavity of the sternum, where the front of the chest, including the ribs and breastbone, sinks inward, creating a sunken appearance. This condition may not only cause physical discomfort but also have an impact on a child's psychological well - being due to body image concerns.
Symptoms and Associated Conditions
- Chest Pain: As the chest wall deformity progresses, it can put pressure on the surrounding muscles and organs, leading to chest pain. This pain may vary in intensity and frequency, and can sometimes be exacerbated by physical activity.
- Shortness of Breath: Especially during exertion, children with pectus excavatum may experience difficulty breathing. The abnormal shape of the chest can restrict the normal expansion of the lungs, reducing their capacity to take in oxygen.
- Mitral Valve Prolapse: In some cases, there may be an association between pectus excavatum and mitral valve prolapse. The structural changes in the chest can potentially affect the heart's function and the proper operation of the mitral valve.
- Associated Syndromes Affecting Skeletal Growth: Pectus excavatum can be related to certain syndromes that impact skeletal development. For example, scoliosis is a common associated condition, where the spine curves abnormally.
Treatment Options for Pectus Excavatum
Surgical Options
Nuss Procedure
This is the most commonly performed procedure for correcting pectus excavatum. A minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery, it involves placing a prosthetic bar behind the sternum through small incisions on the side of the ribcage. The bar presses the sternum forward and remains in place for about three years until the defect remodels into a more symmetrically positioned sternum. The advantages of this procedure include smaller incisions, reduced scarring, reduced operating time, approximately 90 percent decrease in blood loss, an early return to regular activity, and excellent cosmetic results.
Ravitch Procedure
An open or modified surgical method. An incision is made across the chest, just below the nipples. The deformed cartilage is removed, and the sternum is gently adjusted and repositioned. A supportive bar is then placed to hold the chest wall in the correct position during healing. The recovery period usually includes a 3 - 5 - day hospital stay, and the stabilizing bar is removed after about 6 months.
Non - surgical Options
Vacuum Bell Therapy
This therapy uses a device placed on the chest of a child with pectus excavatum. The device creates suction that slowly pulls the breastbone forward over time. Approximately 80 percent of patients see an elevation greater than 1 cm within 3 months, approximately 20 percent see complete correction within 6 months, and approximately 13.5 percent see complete correction within 18 months.
Bracing
For young children with mild to moderate pectus carinatum whose chests are still flexible, bracing can be an effective treatment option. It works by applying pressure to the chest wall to correct the abnormal shape.
Ranking of Hospitals in New York City for Treating Children's Pectus Excavatum
Top - Ranked Hospitals Based on National Pediatric Specialty Rankings
| Hospital Name | Rank in New York | Number of Nationally Ranked Pediatric Specialties | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York - Presbyterian Children’s Hospital - Columbia and Cornell | #1 | 10 | 1 - 385 - 469 - 6653, New York, NY 10065 - 4870 |
| Cohen Children's Medical Center | #2 | 8 | New Hyde Park, NY 11040 - 1496 |
| Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital | #3 | 4 | New York, NY 10029 - 0310 |
| Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone | #4 | 3 | 1 - 646 - 846 - 4763, New York, NY 10016 - 6402 |
| Children's Hospital at Montefiore | #4 | 3 | Bronx, NY 10467 - 2401 |
| University of Rochester - Golisano Children's Hospital | #4 | 3 | Rochester, NY 14642 - 0002 |
Details of Top - Ranked Hospitals
New York - Presbyterian Children’s Hospital - Columbia and Cornell
This hospital ranks first in New York and eighth in the nation for pediatric care according to the U.S. News & World Report "America's Best Children's Hospitals" issue. It has the highest possible score in three categories: tetralogy of fallot mortality (a heart procedure), brain surgery mortality, and technology. With its affiliation with two of the nation's leading medical colleges—Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons—its pediatric specialists are constantly introducing new advanced treatment options. For children's pectus excavatum, the hospital likely has access to the latest surgical techniques and comprehensive multi - disciplinary care, involving cardiologists, pulmonologists, and surgeons to ensure the best treatment outcomes.
Cohen Children's Medical Center
Ranked second in New York and nationally ranked in 8 pediatric specialties. It has a well - established pediatric care system. In the treatment of pectus excavatum, the hospital can offer a wide range of services, from accurate diagnosis using advanced imaging techniques to appropriate treatment options based on the child's specific condition. The experienced medical team can handle both surgical and non - surgical treatments and provide post - treatment follow - up care.
Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital
Being ranked third in New York with 4 nationally ranked pediatric specialties, it has expertise in pediatric care. The hospital may have a specialized chest wall treatment program for children with pectus excavatum. Its multi - disciplinary team can work together to develop personalized treatment plans, taking into account the physical and psychological needs of the child.
Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone
One of the top hospitals in New York, nationally ranked in 3 pediatric specialties. It offers high - quality medical services. For pectus excavatum treatment, it can provide up - to - date non - surgical and surgical options, along with a focus on patient - centered care. The hospital may also conduct research on new treatment methods to improve the treatment results for children with this condition.
Children's Hospital at Montefiore
Another well - known hospital in New York with 3 nationally ranked pediatric specialties. It has a strong commitment to pediatric care. In treating pectus excavatum, it can offer comprehensive evaluations and treatments, including pre - operative assessments, surgical procedures, and post - operative rehabilitation programs to help children recover quickly and fully.
University of Rochester - Golisano Children's Hospital
With its national ranking in 3 pediatric specialties, it is a reliable choice for children's pectus excavatum treatment. The hospital likely has state - of - the - art facilities and a team of dedicated medical professionals. It may also be involved in educational and research activities related to pediatric chest wall disorders, which can contribute to better treatment methods and patient care.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Medical Expertise
The experience and expertise of the medical staff are crucial. Look for hospitals with surgeons who have performed a large number of pectus excavatum surgeries, especially the Nuss procedure or Ravitch procedure. Additionally, a multi - disciplinary team including cardiologists, pulmonologists, and pain management specialists is essential to ensure comprehensive care.
Treatment Options
Choose a hospital that offers a wide range of treatment options, both surgical and non - surgical. This allows for a more personalized approach based on the child's age, the severity of the pectus excavatum, and other individual factors. For example, if a child is not suitable for surgery, non - surgical options like vacuum bell therapy should be available.
Patient - centered Care
Consider the hospital's approach to patient - centered care. This includes factors such as the communication between the medical staff and the patients' families, the support services available during the treatment process, and the focus on the child's psychological well - being. A hospital that takes the time to understand the family's concerns and provides clear explanations of the treatment plan can greatly enhance the treatment experience.
Reputation and Ranking
Hospitals with high national rankings in pediatric specialties are often more likely to have better medical resources, advanced treatment techniques, and experienced medical teams. The rankings can serve as a general guide when choosing a hospital for treating children's pectus excavatum.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to treating children's pectus excavatum in New York City, several top - ranked hospitals offer high - quality medical services. New York - Presbyterian Children’s Hospital - Columbia and Cornell leads the way with its outstanding pediatric care and multi - disciplinary expertise. Cohen Children's Medical Center, Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, and University of Rochester - Golisano Children's Hospital also provide excellent treatment options and comprehensive care. When choosing a hospital, parents should consider factors such as medical expertise, treatment options, patient - centered care, and reputation. By making an informed decision, they can ensure that their children receive the best possible treatment for pectus excavatum.
If your child is suffering from pectus excavatum, we encourage you to research these hospitals further, contact their pediatric departments, and schedule consultations to determine the most suitable treatment facility. Share this article with other parents who may be in a similar situation to help them make the right choice for their children's health.
