Introduction
Funnel chest, also known as pectus excavatum, is a condition where the breastbone is sunken inward, leaving a dent in the chest. This can lead to various health issues, including problems with the heart and lungs, as well as self - esteem issues. In New York City, there are numerous hospitals that offer treatment for funnel chest. This article aims to provide you with the new price list and ranking of these hospitals, along with comprehensive information about funnel chest treatment.
Understanding Funnel Chest
What is Funnel Chest?
Funnel chest is a congenital disorder in which the cartilage between the ribs and the breastbone grows abnormally. This causes the breastbone to be pushed inward, resulting in a sunken appearance of the chest. It is more common in boys and often becomes more noticeable during puberty. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest wall pain, and dizziness. Severe cases can interfere with the normal function of the heart and lungs.
Causes of Funnel Chest
The exact cause of funnel chest is unknown, but it is thought to be related to the overgrowth of cartilage in the rib cage, which presses on the sternum and pushes it inward. Some cases may also be associated with genetic factors or connective tissue disorders.
Treatment Options for Funnel Chest
Non - Surgical Treatments
For mild cases of funnel chest, non - surgical treatments may be recommended. These include:
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises can help strengthen the chest muscles and improve posture, which may alleviate some of the symptoms associated with funnel chest.
- Vacuum Bell Therapy: This involves using a device that creates a vacuum on the chest, which helps to pull the sternum outwards over time. It is a non - invasive treatment option that can be used for mild cases, especially in younger patients.
- Bracing: A chest brace can be worn to gradually correct the shape of the chest. This is often used in children and adolescents during their growth period.
Surgical Treatments
When non - surgical treatments are ineffective or the condition is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary. The two main surgical procedures for funnel chest are:
| Procedure | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuss Procedure | Two small holes are cut on either side of the chest, and a curved steel bar is inserted under the sternum to pull it out. The bar is fixed to the ribs and stays in place for a minimum of three years. | Minimally invasive, leaves smaller scars, and has a shorter recovery time compared to the Ravitch procedure. | There is a risk of bar displacement, and a second surgery is required to remove the bar. Complications can be higher in adult patients due to less flexible chest walls. |
| Ravitch Procedure | An extended cut is made across the chest to remove excess cartilage, reposition the rib cage, and implant a wedge bone graft. Two titanium rods are placed in the chest area to support the rib cage and are removed after three years. | Can provide more significant correction in severe cases. | More invasive, leaves a larger scar, and has a longer recovery time. |
Price List of Funnel Chest Treatments in New York City Hospitals
It's important to note that the cost of funnel chest treatment can vary widely depending on several factors, including the hospital, the type of procedure, the severity of the condition, and whether the patient has insurance. Almost all insurance plans in the United States cover the pectus excavatum surgery costs. However, if a patient does not have insurance, the costs can be quite high.
General Cost Information
The Nuss procedure, the most common repair option, costs around $40,000 to $65,000 in the United States. If the patient does not have insurance, the Ravitch and Nuss procedures can cost up to $100,000.
New York - Presbyterian Hospital
New York - Presbyterian Hospital includes several affiliated medical centers such as New York - Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York - Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, etc. The hospital provides information on standard charges for a select group of shoppable services. However, the actual patient out - of - pocket costs may vary significantly depending on the patient care services received, insurance coverage, negotiated discounts, and eligibility for financial assistance.
NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is committed to providing comprehensive cost information. They make available their hospital charges and have a cost estimator tool for patients. The estimated out - of - pocket cost is based on insurance coverage or self - pay status, but the actual cost may vary due to health insurance coverage, medical condition, and additional tests or procedures ordered by the physician.
Ranking of Hospitals for Treating Funnel Chest in New York City
Here are some of the top - ranked hospitals in New York City for treating funnel chest, based on their performance in complex care in medical specialties and common procedures and conditions:
- Mount Sinai Hospital: Nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. It is well - equipped to handle complex cases of funnel chest and provides high - quality care for both adults and children.
- New York - Presbyterian Hospital - Columbia and Cornell: Ranked highly with national rankings in 14 adult specialties and 10 pediatric specialties. The hospital has a team of experienced surgeons and specialists who can offer the latest treatment options for funnel chest.
- North Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health: Nationally ranked in 9 adult specialties. It has a reputation for excellence in surgical procedures and provides comprehensive care for patients with funnel chest.
- NYU Langone Hospitals: Nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. The hospital offers advanced treatment options and has a strong focus on patient care and recovery.
- Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health: Nationally ranked in 10 adult specialties. It provides high - quality surgical and medical services for patients with funnel chest.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
Expertise of the Medical Team
Look for hospitals that have experienced surgeons and specialists who are well - versed in treating funnel chest. Surgeons with a high level of skill and experience are more likely to achieve better outcomes. For example, at CHOC, a leading provider for pectus care, their treatment program brings together a multidisciplinary team of pediatric experts, including pediatric pulmonologists, cardiologists, pediatric anesthesiologists, and pediatric thoracic surgeons.
Reputation of the Hospital
A hospital's reputation is an important factor. Check online reviews, patient testimonials, and rankings to get an idea of the quality of care provided. Hospitals with a good reputation are more likely to offer safe and effective treatments.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Consider the cost of treatment and whether your insurance will cover it. Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage and out - of - pocket expenses. Some hospitals may also offer financial assistance programs for uninsured or underinsured patients.
Available Treatment Options
Ensure that the hospital offers a range of treatment options, both surgical and non - surgical. This allows you to choose the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Patient Support Services
Look for hospitals that provide comprehensive patient support services, such as pre - operative counseling, post - operative care, and rehabilitation programs. These services can help you through the treatment process and improve your recovery.
Risks and Complications of Funnel Chest Surgery
While the Nuss and Ravitch procedures are promoted as minimally invasive, they are not without risks. Some of the potential risks and complications include:
- Excessive Bleeding: During or after the surgery, there may be excessive bleeding, which may require additional treatment.
- Heart Perforation: There is a small risk of the surgical instruments perforating the heart, which can be life - threatening.
- Hemothorax: This is the accumulation of blood in the pleural cavity around the lungs, which can cause breathing difficulties.
- Major Blood Vessel Injuries: The surgery may damage major blood vessels, leading to serious complications.
- Lung Injuries: There is a risk of lung injuries during the procedure, which can affect breathing function.
- Diaphragm Injuries: The diaphragm may be injured during surgery, which can also impact breathing.
- Bar Displacement: In the Nuss procedure, the bar may displace, which may require additional surgery to correct.
Recovery After Funnel Chest Surgery
The recovery process after funnel chest surgery can be long and challenging. Here is what you can expect:
Hospital Stay
Patients typically need to stay in the hospital for 4 to 7 days after the surgery for post - operative pain management and monitoring. The length of the hospital stay may vary depending on the type of procedure and the patient's recovery progress.
At - Home Recovery
After leaving the hospital, patients will need to follow strict guidelines for at - home recovery. This includes taking pain medications as prescribed, avoiding strenuous physical activities, and following a specific diet. It may take several months for the patient to fully recover, and during this time, they may experience pain, discomfort, and limited mobility.
Follow - up Care
Patients will need to have regular follow - up appointments with their surgeon to monitor their recovery and ensure that the treatment is successful. These appointments may include physical examinations, imaging tests, and pulmonary function tests.
Rehabilitation
Physical therapy and respiratory exercises are often recommended after surgery to improve chest wall mobility and lung function. This can help the patient regain their strength and improve their quality of life.
Conclusion
Funnel chest is a condition that can have a significant impact on a patient's health and quality of life. In New York City, there are several top - ranked hospitals that offer treatment for funnel chest. When choosing a hospital, it is important to consider factors such as the expertise of the medical team, the hospital's reputation, cost, and available treatment options. Surgical treatment for funnel chest can be effective, but it also comes with risks and a long recovery period. Non - surgical treatments may be suitable for mild cases. If you or someone you know is suffering from funnel chest, it is important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of treatment.
If you have further questions about funnel chest treatment or want to learn more about the hospitals in New York City, please do more research online or consult with a healthcare provider. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information.
