Introduction
Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken chest syndrome, is a relatively common chest - wall disorder. It can cause various physical and psychological problems for patients, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and self - consciousness about appearance. In Albany, netizens have selected several top - notch hospitals for pectus excavatum correction surgery. This article will introduce these hospitals in detail to help patients and their families make more informed decisions.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum occurs when an abnormal growth of cartilage within the chest wall pushes the sternum and ribs inward, creating a caved - in or sunken appearance. It is about five times more common in boys than girls and may initially be a mild condition at birth but can become more pronounced over time. Associated symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, especially on exertion, mitral valve prolapse, and scoliosis.
Treatment Methods for Pectus Excavatum
There are surgical and non - surgical treatment options for pectus excavatum:
Surgical Options
- Nuss Procedure: A minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery where a prosthetic bar is placed behind the sternum to correct the deformity. The bar is removed after about three years. It has advantages such as smaller incisions, reduced scarring, reduced operating time, less blood loss, and an early return to regular activity.
- Modified Ravitch Procedure: An “open” operation that involves breaking and re - setting the front of the rib cage and breastbone. It is suitable for patients with highly asymmetric chest wall deformities or problematic lower rib flaring, and those who do not wish to have a bar in place for more than one year.
Non - Surgical Options
Pairing vacuum bell therapy with exercises and stretches. Some patients can see significant improvement, such as an elevation greater than 1 cm within 3 months, and about 20% achieving complete correction within 6 months.
Top Five Hospitals in Albany for Pectus Excavatum Correction Surgery
1. Albany Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery | St. Peter's Health Partners
Located at 319 S Manning Blvd, Ste 206, Albany, NY 12208, with contact numbers (518) 525 - 8501 and (518) 525 - 8503. The clinic is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm from Monday to Friday. It is located in the professional medical office building adjacent to St. Peter’s Hospital.
The highly - trained and skilled surgeons at this facility care for patients with cancer of the lung and esophagus, as well as provide a vast array of procedures for benign diseases such as spontaneous pneumothorax, empyema, gastroesophageal reflux disease, pectus excavatum, and hyperhidrosis. They possess the diagnostic tools required for work - up, the surgical skill to perform the operation, and the knowledge to guide post - operative care and long - term follow - up. The physicians also offer a full spectrum of endoscopy procedures of the lungs and esophagus, as well as dilation, stenting, and laser procedures. Minimally invasive surgical approaches are used whenever indicated for both benign and malignant chest pathology. The physician will serve as the team leader, coordinating the patient's care with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other members of the multidisciplinary team. They will also evaluate if the patient is a candidate for participation in a clinical trial.
2. Center of Excellence for Pectus
Established in 2005, this center is a premier facility for the Nuss procedure to treat pectus excavatum and evaluate all forms of pectus. Dr. Barry Losasso, who trained with Dr. Donald Nuss, the founder of the Nuss procedure, has completed over 1,400 successful Nuss procedures. He is a board - certified adult and pediatric general surgeon. The center is also one of the only centers to perform chest wall reconstruction on children and adults ages 10 - 55 years old.
The best age to get the Nuss procedure at this center is between 13 – 16 years old when the chest’s cartilage and bones are more malleable. However, Dr. Losasso has successfully completed many Nuss procedures in patients as old as 53 years old. The center will order imaging to measure the patient's Haller index to determine the severity of pectus. The excellent pain management team at Valley Hospital, where the Nuss procedure is performed, will closely monitor patients' pain following the surgery. Contact information: Phone: 201 - 225 - 9440, Fax: 848 - 235 - 7174, Email: info @ nuss procedure.com, Office address: 30 West Century Road, Suite 235, Paramus, New Jersey 07652, United States. Office hours are from 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Friday, and closed on Saturday and Sunday.
3. Nationwide Children's Hospital
Nationwide Children's Hospital expertly cares for children with pectus excavatum. The chest wall clinic at this hospital is well - equipped to handle cases of pectus excavatum.
For diagnosis, chest wall deformities can be evident in infancy, but many also develop or become more obvious as children grow. Abnormalities are usually noted by parents or during routine chest examinations. The most commonly performed surgical procedure for treatment is the minimally invasive Nuss procedure. For patients who want to avoid surgery or do not qualify for it, non - surgical treatment options, such as pairing vacuum bell therapy with exercises and stretches, are available. The optimal ages for chest wall deformity referrals are between 10 and 12 years. Even if patients are diagnosed after adolescence, they can still be examined to determine their options based on the severity of the deformity.
4. Lurie Children's
Pectus excavatum is a frequent congenital anomaly treated at Lurie Children's. The condition occurs when abnormal cartilage growth pushes the sternum and ribs inward, and it is more common in boys. It often doesn't fully manifest until adolescence.
If a child is an appropriate candidate for surgery, the options are the Ravitch procedure or the minimally invasive Nuss procedure. The Ravitch procedure involves making an incision to remove abnormal cartilage and place the sternum in the correct position, and a steel bar may be inserted for support and removed about one year later. The Nuss procedure has smaller incisions and results in less obvious scarring, with the custom - fitted steel bars remaining in place for two to three years. After surgery, the average hospital stay is four to seven days. Pain management involves a combination of intravenous and oral medications, and careful wound care is required. Patients are generally advised to abstain from heavy physical exertion for about 6 weeks and gradually resume normal activities under the guidance of the medical team.
5. Summit Health
At Summit Health, Dr. Reza Momeni is one of a small number of plastic surgeons in the U.S. who specialize in pectus excavatum surgery. This minimally invasive procedure involves placing a silicone molded implant into the chest cavity over the sternum bone to create a more normal - looking chest. The surgery does not change the shape of the rib cage, no metal bars are inserted, and no cutting into the ribs or sternum is necessary. However, it is not appropriate for patients with heart problems from cardiac compression or breathing abnormalities from lung pressure, and it cannot be done on children or young teenagers as the chest must be fully grown.
During the consultation, Dr. Momeni will have an honest discussion with the patient about goals, expectations, and concerns, as well as the limits and risks of the surgery. A custom mold is created during the visit, and the personalized silicone implant is made about 2 to 3 weeks prior to the surgery. The surgery takes 1 to 2 hours under general anesthesia. After the surgery, patients can leave a few hours later but must have someone to drive them home. Bandages need to be kept dry for the first 3 days, and follow - up visits are scheduled at specific intervals. Light activity can be resumed 2 weeks after surgery, and strenuous exercise and contact sports can be resumed in 6 weeks.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital
When selecting a hospital for pectus excavatum correction surgery, several factors should be considered:
Surgeon Experience
The experience of the surgeons is crucial. Surgeons who have performed a large number of pectus excavatum surgeries are more likely to have better skills and encounter fewer complications. For example, Dr. Barry Losasso at the Center of Excellence for Pectus has completed over 1,400 Nuss procedures.
Treatment Options
Different hospitals may offer different treatment options. Some hospitals may focus more on surgical procedures, while others may also provide non - surgical alternatives. It is important to choose a hospital that can provide the most suitable treatment for the patient's condition.
Facility and Equipment
Modern facilities and advanced equipment can ensure the safety and effectiveness of the surgery. Hospitals with state - of - the - art diagnostic tools and surgical equipment are better equipped to handle complex cases.
Post - operative Care
Good post - operative care is essential for a successful recovery. This includes pain management, wound care, and follow - up appointments. A hospital with a well - organized post - operative care system can help patients recover more quickly and reduce the risk of complications.
Patient Reviews
Reading patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care at a hospital. Netizen - selected hospitals usually have better reputations based on the experiences of previous patients.
Conclusion
For patients with pectus excavatum in Albany, there are several excellent hospitals to choose from for correction surgery. Each hospital has its own characteristics and advantages, whether it is the comprehensive surgical services at Albany Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery, the experience of the surgeons at the Center of Excellence for Pectus, or the specialized pediatric care at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Lurie Children's. Summit Health offers a unique minimally invasive cosmetic option. When making a decision, patients and their families should carefully consider various factors based on the patient's condition, age, and personal preferences. It is advisable to consult with multiple hospitals and surgeons to get a more comprehensive understanding before choosing the most suitable hospital for treatment.
If you or someone you know is suffering from pectus excavatum, don't hesitate to take action. Research these hospitals further, schedule consultations, and take the first step towards a better quality of life. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information to help them make informed decisions about pectus excavatum correction surgery.
