Introduction to Adult Pectus Excavatum Surgery
Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the chest wall where the breastbone (sternum) and ribs are sunken, creating a concave appearance. In adults, this condition can cause various issues, including breathing difficulties, chest pain, and self - esteem problems. Surgical correction of pectus excavatum in adults is a specialized field, and finding the right doctor is crucial for a successful outcome.
In New York City, there are several highly skilled doctors who specialize in adult pectus excavatum surgery. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 5 doctors in the city for this procedure.
What is Pectus Excavatum and Why is Surgery Needed?
Understanding Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum, also known as funnel chest, is a condition that affects the shape of the chest. The majority of cases are present at birth and may worsen during puberty. While in some cases, it may be a mild cosmetic issue, in others, it can have a significant impact on a person's respiratory and cardiac function.
A study published in relevant medical journals has shown that adults with severe pectus excavatum may experience reduced lung capacity and exercise tolerance. This is because the abnormal shape of the chest can restrict the movement of the lungs and heart, leading to decreased oxygen intake and cardiovascular efficiency.
Reasons for Surgery
- Improving Function: Surgery can correct the structural abnormalities of the chest wall, allowing the lungs and heart to function more effectively. This can lead to improved breathing, reduced chest pain, and increased exercise capacity.
- Enhancing Appearance: For many adults, the cosmetic aspect of pectus excavatum can have a significant impact on their self - confidence and quality of life. Surgical correction can improve the appearance of the chest, leading to a more positive body image.
The Top 5 Doctors in New York City for Adult Pectus Excavatum Surgery
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein specializes in thoracic surgery, with a special focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum. He practices primarily in New York, NY, and is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
Credentials and Experience: Dr. Gorenstein graduated from Canada in 1983 and completed his training at Univ Toronto Affil Hosp, UT MD Anderson Canc Ctr, and Univ Toronto Affil Hosp. He is board - certified in surgery and thoracic surgery. With decades of experience, he has performed numerous pectus excavatum surgeries, using the latest minimally invasive techniques to minimize scarring and recovery time.
Patient Reviews: Patients appreciate his calm demeanor and the detailed explanations he provides before the surgery. They also report significant improvements in their breathing and quality of life after the procedure.
Contact Information: You can reach him at 866 - 721 - 8718 for an appointment or more information.
Dr. Andrea Wolf
Dr. Andrea Wolf is an associate professor of thoracic surgery at the Mount Sinai Health System. She has a strong background in general thoracic surgery and expertise in robotic and minimally - invasive techniques, including video - assisted thoracic (VATS) and laparoscopic surgery for various chest wall conditions, including pectus excavatum.
Credentials and Experience: She graduated cum laude from Princeton University and earned her medical degree with highest honors from Harvard Medical School. After training in general surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and completing her cardiothoracic surgery residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, she has extensive experience in treating complex thoracic conditions. Her team at the New York Mesothelioma Program received the 2020 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) Cancer Care Team Award, and she received the 2022 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Irving J. Selikoff Award.
Patient Reviews: Patients praise her for her expertise, compassion, and ability to communicate complex medical information clearly. She is known for providing personalized care and ensuring that patients are involved in their treatment decisions.
Contact Information: She can be reached at the Ruttenberg Treatment Center at 1470 Madison Avenue, 3rd floor, New York, NY, 10029, and the phone number is 212 - 241 - 9502.
Dr. Benjamin Enoch Lee
Dr. Benjamin Enoch Lee is an associate attending cardiothoracic surgeon and associate professor of clinical cardiothoracic surgery. He is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian Queens and New York - Presbyterian Hospital.
Credentials and Experience: His training and experience in cardiothoracic surgery make him well - qualified to perform pectus excavatum surgeries. The thoracic surgery program at New York - Presbyterian Queens has earned a three - star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) for patient care and outcomes in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures, indicating a high standard of surgical care.
Patient Reviews: Patients often comment on the quality of care they receive at the hospital under his supervision. He is known for using the latest surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Contact Information: You can contact the division of thoracic surgery at New York - Presbyterian Queens at 56 - 45 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355, and the phone number is 718 - 670 - 2707.
Dr. Steven Stylianos
Dr. Steven Stylianos serves Columbia University as the Rudolph N Schullinger Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics and chief of the division of pediatric surgery. He is also the surgeon - in - chief of the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital/New York Presbyterian.
Credentials and Experience: A graduate of Rutgers University and the New York University School of Medicine, he completed his general surgical training at Columbia - Presbyterian Medical Center. He has also trained at top institutions such as Boston Children's Hospital. Throughout his career, he has organized and directed multi - disciplinary teams of physicians and nurses for complex surgical procedures. He has received numerous honors, including New York magazine's top doctors from 2012 – 2022, the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association's 2016 Champions Award, and the American Trauma Society's 2016 NY State Trauma Medical Director of Distinction.
Patient Reviews: His patients and their families value his expertise, dedication, and the way he manages complex surgical cases. Although he has a strong pediatric background, his experience in chest wall surgeries can also be beneficial for adult pectus excavatum patients.
Contact Information: For new and current patient appointments, you can call (212) 342 - 8586. His primary location is at CUIMC/New York - Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, 3959 Broadway, floor 205 - n, New York, NY 10032.
Dr. Dong - Seok Lee
Dr. Dong - Seok Lee is a thoracic surgeon at Mount Sinai Doctors. He is based at the Ruttenberg Treatment Center in New York.
Credentials and Experience: While specific details about his educational background are not as fully described in the search results, his association with Mount Sinai, a renowned medical institution, and his specialization in thoracic surgery suggest that he has the necessary skills and experience to perform pectus excavatum surgeries. He has a 4.9 - star rating, which indicates high patient satisfaction.
Patient Reviews: Patients have given him high ratings, suggesting that they are satisfied with his treatment, communication, and the overall surgical experience.
Contact Information: You can call him at 212 - 241 - 4325. His address is 1470 Madison Avenue, 3rd floor, New York, NY, 10029.
Comparing the Top 5 Doctors
| Doctor | Specialization | Affiliation | Credentials | Patient Reviews | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein | Thoracic surgery, with a focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum | New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center | Graduated from Canada in 1983, completed training at multiple institutions, board - certified in surgery and thoracic surgery | Patients appreciate his calm demeanor and significant improvements in their condition after surgery | 866 - 721 - 8718 |
| Dr. Andrea Wolf | General thoracic surgery, expertise in robotic and minimally - invasive techniques for chest wall conditions | Mount Sinai Health System | Graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Medical School, trained at top institutions, multiple awards | Patients praise her expertise, compassion, and clear communication | 212 - 241 - 9502 at Ruttenberg Treatment Center |
| Dr. Benjamin Enoch Lee | Cardiothoracic surgery | New York - Presbyterian Queens and New York - Presbyterian Hospital | Associate attending cardiothoracic surgeon, associate professor of clinical cardiothoracic surgery, affiliated with a high - rated thoracic surgery program | Patients comment on the quality of care at the hospital under his supervision | 718 - 670 - 2707 at New York - Presbyterian Queens |
| Dr. Steven Stylianos | Pediatric surgery, also experienced in chest wall surgeries | Columbia University, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital/New York Presbyterian | Graduated from Rutgers University and New York University School of Medicine, trained at top institutions, multiple honors | Patients and families value his expertise and dedication | (212) 342 - 8586 at CUIMC/New York - Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital |
| Dr. Dong - Seok Lee | Thoracic surgery | Mount Sinai Doctors, Ruttenberg Treatment Center | Thoracic surgeon at Mount Sinai, 4.9 - star rating | High patient satisfaction | 212 - 241 - 4325 at Ruttenberg Treatment Center |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor
Experience and Expertise
Look for a doctor who has extensive experience in performing pectus excavatum surgeries, especially in adults. Ask about the number of surgeries they have performed and their success rate. Doctors who specialize in thoracic surgery are more likely to have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle complex cases.
Reputation
Check patient reviews and ratings online. You can also ask for referrals from other patients, your primary care doctor, or other medical professionals. A doctor with a good reputation is more likely to provide high - quality care and a positive patient experience.
Hospital Affiliation
The hospital where the surgery will be performed is also important. Look for hospitals with a good reputation for surgical care, modern facilities, and a multidisciplinary team of medical professionals. Hospitals with a high - rated thoracic surgery program are more likely to have the resources and expertise needed for a successful surgery.
Communication Style
Choose a doctor who can communicate clearly and effectively with you. They should be able to explain the surgical procedure, the risks and benefits, and the expected outcomes in a way that you can understand. A doctor who listens to your concerns and involves you in the decision - making process is more likely to provide personalized care.
The Surgical Process for Adult Pectus Excavatum
Pre - operative Evaluation
Before the surgery, you will undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation. This may include a physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, pulmonary function tests, CT scan, or MRI of the chest. These tests help the doctor assess your overall health, the severity of the pectus excavatum, and any potential risks associated with the surgery.
You will also need to provide information about your medical history, medications you are taking, and any allergies you may have. It is important to follow all the pre - operative instructions provided by your doctor, such as stopping certain medications and fasting before the surgery.
The Surgery
There are two main types of surgery for pectus excavatum: open surgery and closed (minimally invasive) surgery. In open surgery, the surgeon makes a cut across the front part of the chest, removes the deformed cartilage, and repositions the breastbone. A metal strut may be used to hold the breastbone in place until it heals. In minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon makes two small incisions on each side of the chest and inserts a curved steel bar under the breastbone to lift it. The bar is left in place for at least 2 years to allow the breastbone to grow properly.
Post - operative Care
After the surgery, you will be monitored in the hospital for a few days. Pain management is an important part of the post - operative care, and you may receive pain medications through an IV or an epidural. You will also have tubes in the chest to drain any extra fluid. The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to sit up, take deep breaths, and start walking. It is important to follow all the post - operative instructions provided by your doctor, such as limiting physical activity, taking medications as prescribed, and attending follow - up appointments.
Conclusion
In New York City, the top 5 doctors for adult pectus excavatum surgery - Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, Dr. Andrea Wolf, Dr. Benjamin Enoch Lee, Dr. Steven Stylianos, and Dr. Dong - Seok Lee - offer a wealth of experience, expertise, and high - quality care. When choosing a doctor, consider factors such as their experience, reputation, hospital affiliation, and communication style. The surgical process for adult pectus excavatum involves a pre - operative evaluation, the surgery itself, and post - operative care. With the right doctor and proper care, patients can expect significant improvements in their breathing, appearance, and quality of life.
If you or someone you know is considering adult pectus excavatum surgery, take the time to research these doctors, schedule consultations, and make an informed decision. Don't hesitate to reach out to these doctors' offices for more information and to start the process towards a better quality of life.
