The Top Five Hospitals for Adult Pectus Excavatum Surgery in New York City, 2025

Introduction

Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the chest wall that causes the breastbone to sink into the chest, creating a sunken appearance. While it is often more noticeable in children and adolescents, it can also affect adults. In severe cases, it can lead to breathing difficulties, chest pain, and reduced exercise tolerance. Surgical correction is an option for those seeking to improve both the appearance and the functional aspects of the condition. New York City, being a major medical hub, is home to several hospitals that offer high - quality surgical services for adult pectus excavatum. In this article, we will explore the top five hospitals for this specific type of surgery in the city.

What is Pectus Excavatum?

Pectus excavatum, also known as funnel chest or sunken chest, is a deformity where the breastbone (sternum) and the rib cartilages on either side of it are abnormally shaped, causing the chest to have a concave appearance. The condition is usually present at birth, but it may worsen during the teen years. In adults, it can have a significant impact on their physical and psychological well - being. Many patients with pectus excavatum experience self - consciousness about their appearance, and in some cases, the deformity can cause restrictions in the function of the heart and lungs.

There are two main types of surgical approaches for correcting pectus excavatum: open surgery and closed (minimally invasive) surgery. Open surgery involves making a large incision across the front of the chest, removing the deformed cartilage, and repositioning the breastbone. Closed surgery, on the other hand, typically uses a minimally invasive technique such as the Nuss procedure, where a curved steel bar is inserted under the breastbone to lift it into a more normal position.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Pectus Excavatum Surgery

When selecting a hospital for adult pectus excavatum surgery, several important factors should be taken into account:

• Surgeon Experience: The expertise of the surgeons performing the surgery is crucial. Surgeons with extensive experience in pectus excavatum correction are more likely to achieve better outcomes and minimize the risks associated with the procedure.
• Hospital Reputation: A hospital's overall reputation for quality care, patient safety, and positive outcomes in thoracic surgery can give you confidence in your choice. Look for hospitals that are well - ranked in national or regional surveys.
• Advanced Technology: The availability of the latest surgical technologies and equipment can contribute to a more successful surgery and faster recovery. Minimally invasive techniques, for example, often result in less pain and a shorter hospital stay.
• Multidisciplinary Care: Pectus excavatum surgery may require a team of specialists, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses. A hospital that offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care can provide better support for patients before, during, and after the surgery.
• Patient Reviews: Reading reviews from patients who have undergone pectus excavatum surgery at a particular hospital can give you insights into the quality of care, the patient experience, and the overall satisfaction level.

The Top Five Hospitals for Adult Pectus Excavatum Surgery in New York City

1. NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center

NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center is consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. In 2025, it has been recognized as a leading medical institution in New York, ranked No. 4 (or No. 7 in some rankings) in the nation. This hospital has a strong reputation for its surgical excellence, especially in adult specialties such as heart surgery, GI surgery, and lung surgery.

The thoracic surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center have extensive experience in treating complex chest wall deformities, including pectus excavatum. They offer both open and minimally invasive surgical options, depending on the individual patient's condition. The hospital also has a team of cardiologists and pulmonologists who work closely with the surgical team to ensure comprehensive pre - operative and post - operative care.

For example, Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, a thoracic surgeon affiliated with this hospital, specializes in minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including the treatment of pectus excavatum. He is board - certified in surgery and thoracic surgery, which speaks to his high level of expertise.

Some of the factors that contribute to the hospital's excellence in pectus excavatum surgery include:

• Advanced Research: The hospital is actively involved in research related to chest wall deformities, which allows them to stay at the forefront of new treatment options and techniques.
• Patient - Centered Approach: The medical staff at NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center takes a personalized approach to each patient, ensuring that the treatment plan is tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
• High - Quality Training: The surgeons are trained at some of the best medical institutions in the world, and they continue to update their skills through ongoing education and training programs.

2. Hospital for Special Surgery

The Hospital for Special Surgery is a world - renowned orthopedic and rheumatology hospital. While it may be better known for its orthopedic services, it also has a team of experts who are experienced in treating chest wall deformities. It is nationally ranked in 2 adult specialties and 1 pediatric specialty.

The hospital's approach to pectus excavatum surgery focuses on providing the highest level of care with a patient - centered philosophy. The surgical team at the Hospital for Special Surgery is well - versed in the latest minimally invasive techniques, which can result in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times for patients.

Some of the benefits of choosing the Hospital for Special Surgery for pectus excavatum surgery include:

• Specialized Expertise: The surgeons at the hospital have a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal and thoracic anatomy, which is essential for performing successful pectus excavatum surgeries.
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation: After surgery, patients have access to a comprehensive rehabilitation program that is designed to help them regain strength and function as quickly as possible.
• Patient Satisfaction: The hospital has a high level of patient satisfaction, which is a testament to the quality of care provided by its medical staff.

3. NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital

NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital is another top - ranked institution in New York City. It is nationally ranked in 13 adult specialties and 3 pediatric specialties. The hospital offers a wide range of services related to orthopedic and thoracic surgery, including the treatment of pectus excavatum.

NYU Langone's team of doctors who treat pectus excavatum is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care. They use the latest surgical techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. The hospital also has a strong research program, which allows them to explore new treatment options and improve the care they provide.

Some of the reasons why NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital is a great choice for pectus excavatum surgery are:

• Multidisciplinary Team: The hospital has a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, cardiologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists who work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient.
• State - of - the - Art Facilities: NYU Langone is equipped with state - of - the - art surgical facilities and diagnostic tools, which enable the medical team to provide accurate diagnoses and perform complex surgeries with precision.
• Patient Education: The hospital places a strong emphasis on patient education, ensuring that patients and their families understand the surgical procedure, the recovery process, and the expected outcomes.

4. New York - Presbyterian Queens

New York - Presbyterian Queens has an outstanding thoracic surgery program. It 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, which is a testament to the high quality of its thoracic surgical services.

The hospital offers a minimally invasive Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum, which is a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. Their team of board - certified, highly trained thoracic surgeons provides the latest in surgical techniques and comprehensive care for patients with chest wall deformities. The multidisciplinary team at New York - Presbyterian Queens includes medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialists who work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Some of the advantages of choosing New York - Presbyterian Queens for pectus excavatum surgery are:

• Minimally Invasive Approach: The minimally invasive techniques used at the hospital result in less blood loss, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times.
• Patient - Centered Care: The medical staff at New York - Presbyterian Queens is committed to providing patient - centered care, focusing on the individual needs and preferences of each patient.
• Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Options: The hospital has access to the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options, which allows for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment of pectus excavatum.

5. Mount Sinai Hospital

Mount Sinai Hospital is a well - respected medical institution in New York City. It is nationally ranked in 12 adult specialties and 4 pediatric specialties. The hospital offers a range of surgical treatments for pectus excavatum, including both open and minimally invasive procedures.

The surgeons at Mount Sinai Hospital have experience in treating patients of all ages with chest wall deformities. They take a personalized approach to each patient, considering factors such as the severity of the deformity, the patient's overall health, and their goals for treatment. The hospital also has a strong support system in place for patients before, during, and after surgery, including pain management and rehabilitation services.

Some of the reasons why Mount Sinai Hospital is a good choice for pectus excavatum surgery are:

• Expertise in Thoracic Surgery: The hospital's thoracic surgeons have extensive experience in performing pectus excavatum surgeries and are up - to - date on the latest techniques and best practices.
• Comprehensive Care: Mount Sinai Hospital offers comprehensive care for patients with pectus excavatum, including pre - operative evaluations, surgical treatment, and post - operative follow - up.
• Research and Innovation: The hospital is involved in research related to chest wall deformities, which allows them to offer the latest treatment options and advancements to their patients.

Comparison of the Top Five Hospitals

Conclusion

Choosing the right hospital for adult pectus excavatum surgery is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on the success of the procedure and the patient's overall well - being. The top five hospitals in New York City - NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, New York - Presbyterian Queens, and Mount Sinai Hospital - all offer high - quality surgical services, experienced surgeons, and comprehensive care. Each hospital has its own unique strengths and features, so patients should carefully consider their individual needs, preferences, and the specific circumstances of their condition when making a choice.

If you or someone you know is considering pectus excavatum surgery, we encourage you to research these hospitals further, consult with the medical staff, and gather as much information as possible. You can also reach out to patient support groups or individuals who have undergone the surgery to get their insights and experiences. By taking the time to make an informed decision, you can increase the likelihood of a successful surgery and a positive outcome.