Introduction
Pectus excavatum is a relatively common congenital chest wall deformity where the breastbone and some ribs grow abnormally, resulting in a sunken - in chest appearance. This condition can have various impacts on a person's physical and psychological well - being. For a 27 - year - old in New York City seeking minimally invasive surgery for pectus excavatum, choosing the right hospital is crucial. Here, we will introduce the top 5 hospitals in the area.
What is Pectus Excavatum?
Pectus excavatum is a malformation where several ribs and the sternum grow abnormally, creating a caved - in or sunken appearance of the chest wall. It is more common in males than females, and approximately 40% of patients have a family history of the defect. The condition can be present at birth or develop during puberty and can range from mild to severe.
Severe cases of pectus excavatum can compromise lung and heart capacity, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat. Additionally, it can have negative psychosocial effects, especially in children and teenagers, causing self - consciousness and difficulties in peer interactions.
Diagnosis Tools for Pectus Excavatum
- Visual examination: A doctor directly observes the chest to assess the degree of depression.
- Auscultation: By listening to the heart and chest sounds, the doctor can detect the condition's effect on heart and lung function.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart to check for any heart - related abnormalities.
- Echocardiogram: A non - invasive test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart.
- Pulmonary function testing: The patient breathes into a mouthpiece connected to an instrument that measures the amount of air breathed over a period of time to evaluate lung function.
- Chest X - ray: Provides a basic image of the chest structure.
- CT - scan: Offers a more detailed cross - sectional view of the chest. The Haller index, calculated from the CT scan, is a measure of the extent of pectus excavatum. A Haller index greater than 3.25 is generally considered severe, while a normal index is around 2.5.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pectus Excavatum
Minimally invasive surgery is a preferred option for treating pectus excavatum as it causes less pain, less blood loss, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries. The most common minimally invasive procedure is the Nuss procedure.
The Nuss Procedure
The Nuss procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Using video - assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), the surgeon creates a horizontal passage underneath the sternum through two small incisions on the side of the chest. A convex bar (Lorenz pectus bar), custom - shaped to fit the patient's anatomy, is inserted through the passage and then turned to push the sternum outward. The bar remains in place for a minimum of three years while the chest contour re - forms to its new shape. After that, it is removed as an outpatient procedure.
The Top 5 Hospitals for Minimally Invasive Surgery of Pectus Excavatum in New York City in 2025
1. NewYork - Presbyterian Queens
NewYork - Presbyterian Queens has one of the most sophisticated minimally invasive thoracic surgery programs in the world. The hospital 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 indicates its high - quality surgical care.
The thoracic surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian Queens, in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine, provide cutting - edge approaches and the latest in minimally invasive surgical treatments, including the minimally invasive Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum. The multidisciplinary team of thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and other specialists collaborates to deliver seamless, high - quality care to patients before, during, and after their hospital stay.
The majority of patients are able to have their surgery performed through a minimally invasive approach, which results in less blood loss, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and a quicker recovery and return to normal activities. Contact information: Division of Thoracic Surgery, 56 - 45 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355, 718 - 670 - 2707.
2. New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, affiliated with New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, specializes in thoracic surgery, with a special focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum. He is board - certified in surgery and thoracic surgery.
The hospital offers comprehensive care for pectus excavatum patients. It provides detailed diagnostic services, including the necessary imaging and functional tests to accurately assess the condition. The surgical team is experienced in performing minimally invasive surgeries, such as the Nuss procedure, with the goal of improving the patient's breathing, posture, and cardiac function, as well as giving the chest a normal appearance. Contact: 866 - 721 - 8718.
3. NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for patients with pectus excavatum. The hospital has a group of highly trained medical professionals who can offer a range of treatment options based on the patient's specific condition.
They use the latest diagnostic techniques to accurately evaluate the severity of pectus excavatum. For minimally invasive surgery, the surgical team at NYU Langone is well - versed in performing the Nuss procedure. They focus on minimizing complications and ensuring a smooth recovery for the patients. Patients can browse the list of providers on the hospital's website and schedule an appointment online.
4. The Center of Excellence for Pectus
The Center of Excellence for Pectus, although based in Bergen County (near New York City), is well - known for its expertise in treating pectus excavatum. Dr. Barry Losasso, a board - certified adult and pediatric general surgeon, has been treating pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum for teens and adults since 1999.
He trained with Dr. Donald Nuss, the founder of the Nuss procedure, and has performed over 1,400 minimally invasive Nuss procedures on patients aged 10 - 55 years old. The center uses advanced techniques and a patient - centered approach. They carefully evaluate each patient's Haller index to determine the severity of the pectus deformity and plan the appropriate treatment. Contact: Phone: 201 - 225 - 9440, Fax: 848 - 235 - 7174, Email: info@nussprocedure.com.
5. Lenox Hill Hospital
Lenox Hill Hospital has a reputation for providing high - quality surgical care. Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein, a pediatric surgeon affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital and Cohen Children's Medical Center, can offer expertise in treating pectus excavatum.
The hospital has the necessary resources and equipment for accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive surgery. The medical team focuses on patient comfort and recovery, providing comprehensive post - operative care. Contact: (646) 973 - 3822.
Comparison of the Top 5 Hospitals
| Hospital Name | Specialist Doctor | Key Features | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| NewYork - Presbyterian Queens | Benjamin Enoch Lee, Oliver S. Chow | Three - star rating from STS, world - class minimally invasive thoracic surgery program, multidisciplinary team | Division of Thoracic Surgery, 56 - 45 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355, 718 - 670 - 2707 |
| New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center | Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein | Specialized focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery and pectus excavatum, board - certified surgeons | 866 - 721 - 8718 |
| NYU Langone Health | Various doctors on the team | Advanced, personalized care, use of latest diagnostic techniques | Schedule appointment online |
| The Center of Excellence for Pectus | Dr. Barry Losasso | Over 1,400 successful Nuss procedures, experienced in treating patients aged 10 - 55 | Phone: 201 - 225 - 9440, Fax: 848 - 235 - 7174, Email: info@nussprocedure.com |
| Lenox Hill Hospital | Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein | High - quality surgical care, focus on patient comfort and recovery | (646) 973 - 3822 |
Pre - surgical and Post - surgical Considerations
Pre - surgical
Before the minimally invasive surgery for pectus excavatum, patients need to undergo a series of evaluations. This includes a detailed physical examination, chest imaging (such as CT - scan), and pulmonary and cardiac function tests. The doctor will also discuss the patient's medical history, including any pre - existing conditions and medications being taken.
Patients should also be mentally prepared for the surgery. They can have in - depth discussions with the medical team to understand the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. Lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet, may also be recommended before the surgery.
Post - surgical
Recovery after pectus excavatum repair varies depending on the patient's age and the amount of chest depression. Most patients leave the hospital within 3 to 5 days after surgery. They need to avoid vigorous exercise for the first month after surgery and contact sports for three months after surgery.
Pain management is an important aspect of post - operative care. Hospitals often use various methods, such as cryoablation (freezing the nerves above and below the bar on each side of the chest to reduce pain), to control pain. Regular follow - up appointments are also necessary to monitor the healing process and the re - shaping of the chest wall.
Conclusion
For 27 - year - olds in New York City suffering from pectus excavatum, minimally invasive surgery can be an effective treatment option. The top 5 hospitals mentioned above - NewYork - Presbyterian Queens, New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NYU Langone Health, The Center of Excellence for Pectus, and Lenox Hill Hospital - all offer high - quality care and expertise in performing minimally invasive surgeries for pectus excavatum.
When choosing a hospital, patients should consider factors such as the hospital's reputation, the experience of the surgical team, and the available post - operative care. By making an informed decision, patients can increase the chances of a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.
If you or someone you know is considering minimally invasive surgery for pectus excavatum, we encourage you to reach out to these hospitals for more information. Contact the hospitals directly, schedule consultations, and take the first step towards improving your health and quality of life.
