Refresh of the Hospital Ranking List for Pectus Excavatum Surgery for 13 - Year - Olds in New York City! 2025

Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity that can have a significant impact on a child's physical and psychological well - being. For 13 - year - olds in New York City, finding the right hospital for pectus excavatum surgery is of utmost importance. In this article, we will explore the top hospitals for this type of surgery, understand the condition itself, and the various factors to consider when choosing a hospital.

Understanding Pectus Excavatum

Pectus excavatum is a condition where the front of the chest wall, including the ribs and breastbone (sternum), sinks inward, creating a sunken appearance. It is also known as funnel chest or sunken chest syndrome. This deformity is usually present at birth but may become more noticeable during puberty, often worsening during the teen years (Mount Sinai - New York).

Most cases of pectus excavatum are not associated with any other condition (isolated findings), but it can also be part of some genetic conditions. It is about five times more common in boys than girls (Nationwide Children's Hospital).

Symptoms and Complications

The most obvious sign is the abnormal - looking chest and ribcage. In severe cases, it can press on the heart and lungs, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath (especially on exertion), fatigue, dizziness, heart murmur, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and reduced exercise tolerance. It can also cause rib flare, where the lower ribs stick out. Some children may experience emotional or mental health issues because of how their chest looks (UPMC Children's).

Diagnosis

Doctors can often diagnose pectus excavatum with a physical examination of the chest. In addition, they may order various tests to assess the severity of the condition and its impact on the heart and lungs. These tests can include chest x - rays (both front and side views), chest CT scan or MRI, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, exercise stress tests, genetic tests, and pulmonary function tests (UPMC Children's).

The Haller index is a measurement used to determine the severity of the pectus deformity. For an individual without pectus, the Haller index is 2.0 - 2.5. To meet the criteria for surgical intervention, a Haller index of 3.2 - 3.25 is usually required (The Center of Excellence for Pectus).

Surgical Options for Pectus Excavatum

There are two main types of surgical procedures for correcting pectus excavatum: open surgery and closed (minimally invasive) surgery.

Open Surgery (Ravitch Procedure)

The Ravitch procedure is a well - established surgical method. The surgeon makes a cut across the front part of the chest. The deformed cartilage is removed, and the rib lining is left in place to allow the cartilage to grow back correctly. A cut is then made in the breastbone, which is moved to the correct location. The surgeon may use a metal strut to hold the breastbone in the normal position until it heals, which takes 3 to 12 months. A tube may be placed to drain fluids that build up in the area of repair. At the end of surgery, the incision is closed. The metal struts are removed in 6 to 12 months through a small cut in the skin under the arm (Mount Sinai - New York).

Minimally Invasive Surgery (Nuss Procedure)

The Nuss procedure is a newer and more popular method, especially for children. The surgeon makes two small incisions, one on each side of the chest. A small video camera called a thoracoscope is placed through one of the incisions to view inside the chest. A curved steel bar, shaped to fit the child, is inserted through the incisions and placed under the breastbone to lift it. The bar is left in place for at least 2 years to help the breastbone grow properly. At the end of surgery, the scope is removed and the incisions are closed. This procedure usually takes 1 to 4 hours and results in less blood loss, smaller incisions, and minimal scarring compared to open surgery (Mount Sinai - New York).

Top Hospitals in New York City for Pectus Excavatum Surgery in 13 - Year - Olds

Columbia University Irving Medical Center - Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York

Columbia's pediatric surgery program is highly regarded. It is 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. Their surgeons have extensive experience dealing with chest wall abnormalities like pectus excavatum. They work closely with partners in pediatric anesthesiology, neonatology, and all pediatric medical subspecialties to deliver comprehensive care. They take a family - first approach, which includes having parents accompany their child into the operating room until they are asleep, providing frequent updates during the procedure, and allowing 24 - hour parental visiting and rooming - in with the child. They also emphasize the use of minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, which are beneficial for 13 - year - olds (Columbia Surgery).

The Center of Excellence for Pectus

Established in 2005, the Center of Excellence for Pectus is the premier center for the Nuss procedure to treat pectus excavatum and evaluate all forms of pectus. Dr. Barry Losasso, a board - certified adult and pediatric general surgeon, has been treating pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum for teens and adults since 1999. He trained with Dr. Donald Nuss, the founder of the Nuss procedure. The center is one of the only centers to perform chest wall reconstruction on children and adults ages 10 - 55 years old. Dr. Losasso has performed over 1,400 successful Nuss procedures. The best age to get the Nuss procedure is between 13 – 16 years old when the chest’s cartilage and bones are still malleable, making it an ideal choice for 13 - year - olds (The Center of Excellence for Pectus).

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Pectus Excavatum Surgery

Surgeon Experience

The experience of the surgeon is crucial. Look for surgeons who have performed a significant number of pectus excavatum surgeries. For example, Dr. Barry Losasso at the Center of Excellence for Pectus has over 1,400 successful Nuss procedures under his belt. Surgeons with more experience are more likely to have encountered a variety of cases and can handle any complications that may arise during the surgery (The Center of Excellence for Pectus).

Hospital Reputation

Check the hospital's overall reputation, not just for pectus excavatum surgery but also in the field of pediatric surgery. Hospitals with high rankings, like Columbia University Irving Medical Center - Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York, which is #1 ranked in New York by US News and World Report, are generally more reliable and have better resources and quality of care (Columbia Surgery).

Treatment Approach

Consider the hospital's treatment approach. Minimally invasive procedures, such as the Nuss procedure, are often preferred as they result in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times. Also, a hospital that takes a comprehensive and family - centered approach, like Columbia, can provide better support for both the child and the family during the surgical process (Columbia Surgery, Mount Sinai - New York).

Follow - up Care

Good follow - up care is essential for a successful recovery. Find out what kind of post - operative care the hospital provides, including pain management, physical therapy, and monitoring for any potential complications. The hospital should also offer clear instructions on how to care for the child at home after the surgery (Mount Sinai - New York).

Pre - and Post - Surgery Considerations for 13 - Year - Olds

Pre - surgery

Before the surgery, a complete medical exam and various medical tests are required. The surgeon will order an electrocardiogram (ECG) and possibly an echocardiogram to check the heart's function, pulmonary function tests to assess breathing, and a CT scan or MRI of the chest. Parents should tell the surgeon or nurse about all the medicines the child is taking, including over - the - counter drugs, herbs, vitamins, and supplements, as well as any allergies the child may have. About 7 days before surgery, the child may be asked to stop taking certain blood - thinning drugs. On the day of surgery, the child should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. The child should also take any prescribed drugs with a small sip of water as instructed by the surgeon. The family should arrive at the hospital on time, and the surgeon will ensure the child has no signs of illness before the surgery. If the child is ill, the surgery may be postponed (Mount Sinai - New York).

Post - surgery

It is common for children to stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days after pectus excavatum surgery. Pain is common after the surgery, and for the first few days, the child may receive strong pain medicine through an IV or an epidural. After that, pain is usually managed with oral medicines. The child may have tubes in the chest around the surgical cuts to drain extra fluid, which will be removed once they stop draining. The day after surgery, the child will be encouraged to sit up, take deep breaths, and get out of bed and walk. At first, the child will not be able to bend, twist, or roll from side to side, and activities will be gradually increased. When the child can walk without help, they are probably ready to go home. Before leaving the hospital, the family will receive a prescription for pain medicine. At home, the family should follow all the instructions for caring for the child (Mount Sinai - New York).

Conclusion

For 13 - year - olds in New York City with pectus excavatum, finding the right hospital for surgery is a critical decision. Hospitals like Columbia University Irving Medical Center - Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York and The Center of Excellence for Pectus offer high - quality care, experienced surgeons, and a variety of treatment options. When choosing a hospital, factors such as surgeon experience, hospital reputation, treatment approach, and follow - up care should be carefully considered. By making an informed decision, parents can ensure that their child receives the best possible treatment and has a successful recovery from pectus excavatum surgery.

If you know a 13 - year - old in New York City who is suffering from pectus excavatum, share this article with them. It may help them make an important decision about their child's treatment. You can also do further research on the hospitals mentioned in this article or consult a medical professional for more personalized advice.