Introduction
Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken chest syndrome, is a common chest wall disorder. It is characterized by a concavity of the sternum and can cause various symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and mitral valve prolapse. Finding a well - reputed hospital for its treatment is crucial for patients and their families. In Albany, there are several excellent hospitals that offer high - quality treatment for pectus excavatum. This article will introduce the top 5 well - reputed hospitals in Albany for pectus excavatum treatment.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum
Definition and Prevalence
Pectus excavatum is a deformity that occurs in approximately one out of 1,000 children. It is about five times more common in boys than girls and is usually noted at birth as a mild condition but can become progressively more pronounced over time. The disorder is characterized by an abnormal inward curve of the breastbone, which may be visible at birth in severe cases (source: Nationwide Children's Hospital, SUNY Upstate).
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of pectus excavatum is unknown. It may be due to pulling on the breastbone and rib cage from shortened diaphragm muscle tendons or problems with the cartilage of the rib cage. Risk factors include having other family members with similar problems, scoliosis, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers - Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, and Turner syndrome. Pectus excavatum is also more common in men and people who are white (source: SUNY Upstate).
Symptoms
A child may not have symptoms until growth begins during the teenage years. A mild case may only show an inward curve of the front of the chest wall, while a severe curve may cause difficulty exercising, shortness of breath with activity, rapid heartbeat, and chest pain (source: SUNY Upstate).
Top 5 Well - Reputed Hospitals for Pectus Excavatum Treatment in Albany
1. Albany Medical Center
Expertise in Pulmonary and Critical Care
Albany Medical Center offers comprehensive pulmonary and critical care services. Their providers are skilled in all aspects of pulmonary and critical care disease management. They treat a wide range of conditions, including pectus excavatum. The hospital offers advanced diagnostic and treatment options such as 64 - slice CT scans, bronchoscopy, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (cPET) and advanced pulmonary function testing (PFT) (source: Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine at Albany Medical Center).
Surgical and Non - Surgical Treatment Options
For pectus excavatum, the hospital can provide both surgical and non - surgical treatment approaches. Surgical options may include the Nuss procedure, which is a minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery to correct the deformity by placing a prosthetic bar behind the sternum. Non - surgical options might involve a combination of therapies such as vacuum bell therapy paired with exercises and stretches.
Multidisciplinary Team
The medical team at Albany Medical Center consists of pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and nurse navigators. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive personalized and comprehensive care.
2. St. Peter's Hospital - Albany
High - Performance in Medical Specialties
St. Peter's Hospital - Albany is ranked highly in Albany, NY. It is high - performing in 2 specialties and 15 procedures/conditions. The hospital has a team of highly trained and skilled surgeons who are experienced in treating chest - related diseases, including pectus excavatum.
Comprehensive Surgical Care
Albany Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery, located adjacent to St. Peter's Hospital, provides comprehensive and compassionate surgical care to patients with chest diseases. Their surgeons can perform a vast array of procedures for benign diseases such as pectus excavatum. They possess the diagnostic tools required for patient work - up, the surgical skill to perform the operation, and the knowledge to guide post - operative care and long - term follow - up.
Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive Techniques
The physicians at the affiliated surgical center also offer a full spectrum of endoscopy procedures of the lungs and esophagus, as well as dilation, stenting, and laser procedures. Whenever indicated, minimally invasive surgical approaches are used in the treatment of both benign and malignant chest pathology (source: Albany Thoracic & Esophageal Surgery).
3. Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Specialized Care for Veterans
The Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center is dedicated to providing high - quality medical care to veterans. For pectus excavatum treatment, it can offer a range of medical services based on the specific needs of veteran patients. They have a team of medical professionals who are experienced in dealing with various medical conditions and can provide personalized treatment plans.
Access to Resources
As a veterans' affairs medical center, it has access to extensive resources, including advanced medical equipment and research facilities. This enables them to offer up - to - date treatment options for pectus excavatum, ensuring that veteran patients receive the best possible care.
4. Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center
Pediatric - Focused Care
Since pectus excavatum is more common in children, this children's hospital plays a crucial role in its treatment. The hospital is equipped with a team of pediatric specialists who are trained to diagnose and treat pectus excavatum in children. They understand the unique needs of young patients and can provide a child - friendly and comforting environment.
Age - Appropriate Treatment
The appropriate timing of surgery for pectus excavatum in children is typically in the early adolescent years. The medical team at this children's hospital can accurately assess the condition of young patients and determine the best treatment approach. They can also provide long - term follow - up care to ensure the healthy growth and development of children after treatment.
5. Saratoga Hospital
Regional Reputation
Saratoga Hospital has a good reputation in the region. It offers a variety of medical services, including those related to chest - wall deformities like pectus excavatum. Their medical staff is committed to providing quality care to patients.
Thoracic Surgery Services
Through Capital Thoracic Surgery, Saratoga Hospital offers thoracic surgery services. Thoracic surgeons at the hospital specialize in diseases affecting the organs inside the chest, including the chest wall. They can perform surgeries for pectus excavatum and provide post - operative care and follow - up (source: Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, regarding thoracic surgery availability at Saratoga Hospital).
Treatment Approaches for Pectus Excavatum
Surgical Treatment
Nuss Procedure
The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive thoracoscopic surgery commonly used to correct pectus excavatum. It involves placing a prosthetic bar behind the sternum to push it into a better position. The bar is removed after two to three years, and the defect has remodeled into a more symmetrically positioned sternum. This procedure has several advantages, such as smaller incisions, reduced scarring, reduced operating time, an approximate 90 percent decrease in blood loss, an early return to regular activity, and excellent cosmetic results (source: Nationwide Children's Hospital).
Ravitch Procedure
The Ravitch procedure is another surgical option. It involves removing cartilage from the breastbone and ribs, placing the breastbone in its proper position, and using a metal strut and mesh to hold it in place for 6 to 12 months (source: SUNY Upstate).
Non - Surgical Treatment
Non - surgical treatment options are available for patients who are looking to avoid surgery or who do not qualify for surgery. Vacuum bell therapy paired with exercises and stretches is a common non - surgical approach. Approximately 80 percent of patients who choose this option see an elevation greater than 1 cm within 3 months, approximately 20 percent see complete correction within 6 months, and approximately 13.5 percent see complete correction within 18 months (source: Nationwide Children's Hospital).
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hospital for Pectus Excavatum Treatment
Medical Expertise
The experience and expertise of the medical staff are crucial. Look for hospitals with surgeons who are well - versed in pectus excavatum treatment, including the latest surgical techniques and non - surgical therapies.
Reputation and Ranking
Consider the hospital's reputation and ranking. Hospitals that are highly ranked and have a good reputation are more likely to provide high - quality care. For example, US News provides rankings of hospitals in Albany, which can be a useful reference (source: Best Hospitals in Albany, NY Rankings | US News Best Hospitals).
Treatment Options
Ensure that the hospital offers a wide range of treatment options, both surgical and non - surgical. This allows patients and their families to choose the most suitable treatment based on the patient's condition and preferences.
Multidisciplinary Team
A multidisciplinary team that includes pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists can provide comprehensive care. They can work together to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Patient Experience
Patient experience is also important. Look for hospitals that have a patient - centered approach, provide a comfortable environment, and offer good communication and support throughout the treatment process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pectus excavatum is a common chest wall disorder that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. In Albany, there are several top - rated hospitals such as Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Hospital - Albany, Albany Stratton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bernard & Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center, and Saratoga Hospital that offer high - quality treatment for pectus excavatum. These hospitals have experienced medical staff, advanced treatment options, and a commitment to providing comprehensive care. When choosing a hospital, patients and their families should consider factors such as medical expertise, reputation, treatment options, and patient experience.
If you or someone you know is suffering from pectus excavatum, take the time to research these hospitals and consult with their medical teams. You can also seek referrals from your primary care physician. Don't hesitate to reach out and take the first step towards a better quality of life. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information and continue to explore more about pectus excavatum treatment and related health topics.
