Introduction
Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken or funnel chest, is a congenital condition where the sternum and some ribs grow abnormally, causing the chest wall to sink. While mild cases may not always require immediate correction, many individuals seek treatment for aesthetic or functional reasons. In New York City, there are several highly skilled doctors who specialize in the correction of mild pectus excavatum. This article will introduce you to the top five doctors in this field, highlighting their expertise, experience, and patient reviews.
What is Pectus Excavatum?
Pectus excavatum is a relatively common chest wall deformity that affects more men than women and often runs in families. It may not be present at birth but can develop during puberty. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to an overgrowth of cartilage that pulls the breastbone inwards. This condition can lead to various problems, including:
- Respiratory issues: There may be a lack of room for the lungs to expand, resulting in fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
- Cardiac problems: The breastbone may be too close to the pulmonary artery, causing a heart murmur.
- Aesthetic concerns: The sunken appearance of the chest can have a negative impact on a person's self - esteem.
The severity of pectus excavatum is often measured using the Haller index. 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.
Importance of Choosing the Right Doctor
Selecting the right doctor for pectus excavatum correction is crucial. A skilled and experienced doctor can ensure the best possible outcome, minimize risks, and provide comprehensive care throughout the treatment process. They can also offer personalized treatment plans based on the patient's specific condition, age, and goals. With the abundance of medical professionals in New York City, it can be overwhelming to make a choice. However, by considering factors such as expertise, experience, patient reviews, and hospital affiliations, you can narrow down your options and find the most suitable doctor for your needs.
The Top Five Doctors for Mild Pectus Excavatum Correction in New York City
1. Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein
Background and Expertise
Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein is a multi - board - certified pediatric surgeon. He has been recognized as a Castle Connolly top doctor since 2008 and has been featured in New York magazine. He holds faculty appointments as an associate professor of pediatric surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Bodenstein graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1986 and completed his residency in surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital from 1986 - 1991. He also has fellowships in critical care medicine and pediatric surgery.
Hospital Affiliations
He is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital and Cohen Children's Medical Center. These hospitals are well - known for their high - quality medical care and advanced facilities, providing a supportive environment for surgical procedures and patient recovery.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum
Dr. Bodenstein has expertise in chest wall deformities, including pectus excavatum. He is well - versed in various surgical techniques and can provide personalized treatment plans for patients with mild pectus excavatum. His long - standing reputation as a top doctor indicates his proficiency and commitment to patient care.
Patient Reviews
Although specific patient reviews are not provided here, his consistent recognition as a top doctor in the New York metro area over many years (including multiple editions of regional guides and New York magazine) suggests that he has a high level of patient satisfaction. Patients can expect a doctor who is knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated to their well - being.
2. Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein
Background and Expertise
Dr. Lyall A. 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 the University of Toronto affiliated hospitals, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, and other institutions. He is board - certified in surgery and thoracic surgery.
Hospital Affiliations
He practices primarily in New York, NY, and is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. This prestigious medical center is renowned for its research and patient care in the field of thoracic surgery, providing state - of - the - art facilities and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum
His specialization in minimally invasive thoracic surgery makes him an ideal candidate for patients with mild pectus excavatum who may prefer less invasive treatment options. Minimally invasive procedures often result in shorter recovery times, less pain, and fewer complications compared to traditional open surgeries.
Patient Reviews
Although not detailed in the available information, his board certifications and affiliation with a top - tier medical center suggest that he has the skills and experience to provide high - quality care for pectus excavatum patients. Patients can look forward to a doctor who is well - trained in the latest surgical techniques and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes.
3. Dr. Barry Losasso
Background and Expertise
Dr. Barry Losasso is a board - certified adult and pediatric general surgeon. He was born in New York City, received his undergraduate degree from Yale University, attended medical school at the University of Florida, and completed his fellowship in pediatric surgery at Babies Hospital, Columbia - Presbyterian Medical Center. He has directed nationally recognized centers of excellence for the treatment of chest wall deformities since 1999.
Hospital Affiliations
He performs the Nuss procedure at the award - winning Valley Hospital and provides general surgical care for infants and children at Hackensack University Medical Center, Englewood Hospital Medical Center, Holy Name Medical Center, and St. Joseph’s University Medical Center. These affiliations ensure that patients have access to high - quality medical resources and a team of experts for their treatment.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum
Dr. Losasso has performed over 1,400 minimally invasive Nuss procedures to correct pectus excavatum in adolescents and adults (aged 10 - 55 years old). He trained with Dr. Donald Nuss, the creator of the Nuss procedure, and has continued to contribute to improving the care and outcome for patients requiring surgery. He has successfully treated haller indexes of over 20, demonstrating his ability to handle a wide range of pectus excavatum cases, including mild ones.
Patient Reviews
One patient wrote, “Dr. Losasso and his team were excellent! From scheduling, to financial, to the actual surgery. We came from out of state to correct my son's pectus and they were very accommodating with getting things done quickly so we could be home in time for Christmas. The surgery went smoothly and we have not encountered any issues. Dr. Losasso and Allison were very thorough and took the time to answer all our questions.” This positive review highlights his professionalism, patient - centered approach, and the quality of his surgical outcomes.
4. Doctors at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates
Background and Expertise
The doctors at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates have considerable experience in treating chest wall conditions like pectus excavatum. They are proficient in advanced forms of video - assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and can offer a variety of treatment options based on the patient's condition.
Hospital Affiliations
The practice has offices in Washington Heights, Manhattan, in New York City; Pomona, Goshen, and Fishkill, New York; and Englewood, New Jersey. This wide geographical presence allows patients in different areas to access their services easily. They operate on chest wall conditions at affiliated hospitals that provide the necessary infrastructure and support for surgical procedures.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum
They are well - versed in both the traditional modified Ravitch repair and the minimally invasive Nuss procedure. Some patients might also be suitable for uniportal video - assisted thoracic surgery (Uni - VATS), which requires only one incision. This range of treatment options allows them to tailor the treatment to the specific needs of patients with mild pectus excavatum.
Patient Reviews
While specific patient reviews are not provided, their experience in treating chest wall conditions and the availability of multiple surgical techniques suggest that they can provide effective care for pectus excavatum patients. Patients can expect a team of doctors who are skilled in different surgical approaches and can offer comprehensive treatment plans.
5. Doctors at NYU Langone Health
Background and Expertise
NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care. Their doctors have extensive training and experience in treating pectus excavatum. They are part of a large academic medical center, which means they have access to the latest research and treatment methods.
Hospital Affiliations
NYU Langone Health is a well - respected medical institution in New York City. The hospital's facilities are equipped with state - of - the - art technology, and their multidisciplinary approach involves a team of specialists, including surgeons, pediatricians, and rehabilitation experts, to ensure comprehensive care for patients.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum
The doctors at NYU Langone can offer a range of treatment options for pectus excavatum, from non - surgical interventions to surgical corrections. They can evaluate each patient's condition carefully and develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient's age, the severity of the pectus excavatum, and other individual factors.
Patient Reviews
Although specific reviews are not presented here, the reputation of NYU Langone Health as a leading medical center and their commitment to personalized care suggest that patients can expect high - quality treatment. Their team approach ensures that patients receive well - coordinated care from different specialists throughout the treatment process.
Comparing the Top Five Doctors
| Doctor | Specialty | Hospital Affiliation | Treatment Approach | Patient Reviews (Highlights) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein | Pediatric surgery | Lenox Hill Hospital, Cohen Children's Medical Center | Comprehensive approach for chest wall deformities | Consistent recognition as a top doctor in the New York metro area |
| Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein | Thoracic surgery | New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center | Minimally invasive thoracic surgery | Board - certified with top - tier hospital affiliation |
| Dr. Barry Losasso | Adult and pediatric general surgery | Valley Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, etc. | Minimally invasive Nuss procedure | Positive reviews about surgery experience and patient - centered care |
| Doctors at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates | Thoracic and vascular surgery | Multiple locations in New York and New Jersey | Range of surgical techniques including VATS and Uni - VATS | Experience in treating chest wall conditions |
| Doctors at NYU Langone Health | Multidisciplinary | NYU Langone Health | Personalized treatment options from non - surgical to surgical | Reputation for advanced and personalized care |
Preparing for a Consultation with a Pectus Excavatum Doctor
If you are considering seeing one of these top doctors for mild pectus excavatum correction, it is important to be prepared for your consultation. Here are some steps you can take:
- Compile your medical history: Gather information about any previous medical conditions, surgeries, medications you are taking, and family history of pectus excavatum or other chest wall deformities.
- Document your symptoms: Note down any symptoms you are experiencing, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, and how often they occur.
- Prepare questions: Make a list of questions you want to ask the doctor, such as the treatment options available, the success rates of the procedures, the recovery process, and the potential risks and complications.
- Bring any relevant imaging: If you have had X - rays, CT scans, or MRIs of your chest, bring the results and the actual images to the consultation. This will help the doctor assess your condition more accurately.
Conclusion
Choosing the right doctor for mild pectus excavatum correction in New York City is a significant decision. The top five doctors mentioned in this article - Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein, Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, Dr. Barry Losasso, the doctors at Rockland Thoracic & Vascular Associates, and the doctors at NYU Langone Health - all have extensive expertise, experience, and excellent reputations in the field. Each doctor or medical group offers unique treatment approaches and has different hospital affiliations, allowing patients to choose the option that best suits their needs.
We encourage you to do further research, read more patient reviews, and schedule consultations with these doctors to find the one who can provide you with the best care and achieve the desired results. If you have any more questions or need additional information, feel free to explore related medical resources or reach out to the medical providers directly.
