Introduction
Pectus excavatum is a relatively common chest wall malformation in children and adolescents. For 13 - year - olds in New York City suffering from this condition, finding a reliable hospital for surgery is of great importance. This article will provide a comprehensive list of the top 10 hospitals for pectus excavatum surgery, taking into account various factors such as medical team expertise, treatment methods, and patient outcomes.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum, literally translated as “hollowed chest,” also known as “sunken chest” or “funnel chest,” is characterized by an overgrowth of the rib cartilages before and after birth, which causes the characteristic depression of the sternum. This often becomes more pronounced during puberty. It can lead to a variety of problems, including poor posture, problems with bone growth and alignment, and in severe cases, it can shift the heart to the left side of the chest and compress the lungs, limiting the child's ability to take deep breaths.
Top 10 Hospitals for Pectus Excavatum Surgery in New York City
1. ColumbiaDoctors Children's Health
Columbia's multidisciplinary medical team is well - equipped to evaluate, monitor, and treat children and adolescents with pectus excavatum. The team consists of pediatric surgeons working in collaboration with doctors from other pediatric specialties such as orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, cardiology, pulmonology, genetics, and radiology, as well as nurse practitioners, orthotists, and physical therapists. They have extensive experience in using a minimally invasive approach to treat pectus excavatum. To make an appointment, you can call 212 - 342 - 8585.
2. Johns Hopkins Children's Center
The pectus program at Johns Hopkins Children's Center has one of the most experienced pediatric surgical teams in the country. It was once the home of Mark Ravitch, who perfected the original open repair of pectus excavatum, and Alex Haller, who introduced the Haller index. Paul Colombani modified the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum known as the Nuss procedure. The modified Nuss procedure at Johns Hopkins has led to decreased complications and excellent clinical results. Evaluation for the treatment of pectus excavatum can be scheduled with experienced general pediatric surgeons at the center.
3. NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for pectus excavatum patients. You can browse their list of providers and schedule an appointment online. They have a comprehensive approach to the treatment of this condition, ensuring that each patient receives the best - suited treatment plan.
4. The Center of Excellence for Pectus
Established in 2005, this center is the premier center for the Nuss procedure to treat pectus excavatum. Dr. Barry Losasso, who has trained with Dr. Donald Nuss, the founder of the Nuss procedure, has performed over 1,400 successful Nuss procedures. He has been treating pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum for teens and adults since 1999. The center is also one of the only centers to perform chest wall reconstruction on children and adults ages 10 - 55 years old. Contact them at phone: 201 - 225 - 9440, fax: 848 - 235 - 7174, or email: info@nuss procedure.com.
5. Mount Sinai - New York
At Mount Sinai, the team of surgeons collaborates with world - class colleagues in multiple specialties including pediatric and adult cardiology, pulmonology, genetics, orthopedic surgery, radiology, anesthesiology, and orthopedics. They individualize diagnosis and treatment for children with chest wall conditions, including pectus excavatum. They use minimally invasive approaches whenever possible. They also conduct research to develop more effective treatments and explore ways to prevent or improve chest wall conditions. For research - related inquiries, call 212 - 844 - 8840.
6. UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital (although not strictly in New York, a well - known reference)
UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital is a leading center for treating chest deformities. They recommend surgical correction of chest deformities during early adolescence for the best results. They offer two main surgical procedures for pectus excavatum repair: the Ravitch procedure (open or modified) and the Nuss procedure (minimally invasive). The Ravitch procedure involves an incision across the chest, removal of deformed cartilage, and repositioning of the sternum with a supportive bar. The Nuss procedure is a newer method with smaller incisions, less blood loss, and faster recovery. Appointments can be made at (310) 206 - 2429.
7. Lenox Hill Hospital and Cohen Children's Medical Center (affiliated with Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein)
Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein, a pediatric surgeon affiliated with these hospitals, can provide specialized care for pectus excavatum. His expertise in this field makes these hospitals a reliable option for 13 - year - olds seeking treatment. You can reach him at (646) 973 - 3822.
8. New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center (affiliated with Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein)
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein specializes in thoracic surgery, with a special focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery and pectus excavatum. The hospital's facilities and his expertise make it a good choice for patients in need of pectus excavatum surgery. You can contact the relevant services through 866 - 721 - 8718.
9. Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center (affiliated with Dr. Faiz Y. Bhora)
Dr. Faiz Y. Bhora, a thoracic surgeon at this hospital, offers treatment for pectus excavatum. His skills and the hospital's resources contribute to providing quality care for young patients. You can call (732) 635 - 9300 for more information.
10. Other Considerations - Castle Connolly Referenced Doctors
Castle Connolly has identified several doctors in and near New York who specialize in pectus excavatum. Although these are individual doctors rather than specific hospitals, their expertise is associated with well - known medical institutions. For example, doctors like Dr. Nicole M. Chandler, Dr. Holly L. Neville, etc., who are affiliated with various hospitals around the country as well, can be considered based on patient convenience and specific requirements.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Medical Team Expertise
A hospital with a team of experienced pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, and other related specialists is crucial. For example, at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, the long - standing tradition of chest wall reconstruction expertise and the contributions of doctors like Mark Ravitch and Alex Haller have established a high - level medical team.
Treatment Methods
The availability of different treatment methods, especially minimally invasive procedures, is an important factor. The Nuss procedure, for instance, is widely used due to its advantages such as smaller incisions, less blood loss, and faster recovery. Many of the top hospitals in New York City offer this procedure, and some, like the Center of Excellence for Pectus, have significant experience in performing it.
Patient Outcomes
Looking at the success rates of surgeries, complication rates, and patient satisfaction is essential. Hospitals that can provide long - term follow - up and good cosmetic and functional results are more reliable. For example, the modified Nuss procedure at Johns Hopkins Children's Center has shown decreased complications and excellent clinical results.
Research and Innovation
Hospitals involved in research and innovation are more likely to offer the latest treatment methods and better care. Mount Sinai conducts research to develop more effective treatments and explore ways to prevent or improve chest wall conditions, which indicates their commitment to advancing the field.
Diagnosis and Evaluation of Pectus Excavatum
Doctors commonly use chest x - rays (both front and side views) or a chest CT scan to evaluate pectus excavatum. The Haller index, which compares the depth of the chest cavity beneath the sternum to the width of the chest cavity, is a widely used measurement. A normal ratio of width - to - depth is about 2.5 to 1, and any calculation greater than 3.25 is considered a moderate to severe defect. Additional tests such as pulmonary function tests and echocardiograms may also be performed to assess the function of the lungs and heart respectively.
Treatment Options for Pectus Excavatum
Surgical Treatment
The most common surgical procedures for pectus excavatum are the Nuss procedure and the Ravitch procedure. The Nuss procedure involves placing one or more stabilizing metal bars just inside the rib cage to move the sternum forward. The bars remain in place for two to three years to allow the ribs to adjust to the new shape of the chest. The Ravitch procedure is an open or modified surgical method that involves making an incision across the chest, removing deformed cartilage, and repositioning the sternum with a supportive bar.
Non - Surgical Treatment
Some patients may choose non - surgical treatment, especially those who want to avoid surgery or do not qualify for it. Pairing vacuum bell therapy with exercises and stretches can be an option. For example, at Nationwide Children's Hospital, patients who choose this non - surgical option typically see good results, with approximately 80 percent seeing an elevation greater than 1 cm within 3 months, approximately 20 percent seeing complete correction within 6 months, and approximately 13.5 percent seeing complete correction within 18 months.
Recovery and After - Care
Recovery from pectus excavatum surgery varies among patients. For the Nuss procedure, the average length of hospital stay is usually two to three days, while for the Ravitch procedure, the hospital stay is around 3 to 5 days. Pain management is an important aspect of the recovery process, and many hospitals have dedicated pediatric pain services to ensure that the child's pain is well - managed. After the surgery, the child will need to follow up with the doctor regularly to monitor the healing process and ensure proper growth and development of the chest wall. In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended to help with the recovery and improve the function of the chest muscles.
Conclusion
For 13 - year - olds in New York City with pectus excavatum, there are several top - notch hospitals to choose from. Each hospital has its own strengths in terms of medical team expertise, treatment methods, and research capabilities. When making a decision, parents should consider factors such as the hospital's reputation, the doctor's experience, the available treatment options, and the patient outcomes. By choosing a reliable hospital, children can receive the best possible care and treatment for their pectus excavatum condition. If you have a 13 - year - old child with pectus excavatum, we encourage you to explore the options listed in this article and schedule a consultation with the hospitals to learn more about their services. Share this information with other parents who may be facing a similar situation to help them make informed decisions.
