Ranking of public doctors and institutions for minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery in New York City in 2025
Pectus excavatum, a common anterior chest wall deformity, can have a significant impact on a patient's physical and psychological well - being. Minimally invasive surgery has emerged as an effective treatment option, and in New York City, there are several top - notch doctors and institutions specializing in this field. This article will provide an in - depth look at the ranking of public doctors and institutions for minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery in New York City.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum and Minimally Invasive Surgery
What is Pectus Excavatum?
Pectus excavatum is a congenital chest wall deformity where the breastbone (sternum) and rib cage grow abnormally, causing a depression in the chest. It affects between 1/300 and 1/400 live births each year, according to research in "National trends in pectus excavatum repair: patient age, facility volume, and outcomes." This condition can lead to cardiopulmonary compromise, exercise intolerance, and severe cosmetic concerns.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pectus Excavatum
The minimally invasive approach for pectus excavatum repair, such as the modified Nuss procedure, involves placing a sub - sternal steel bar through small lateral thoracic incisions. This method has several advantages over traditional open surgery, including less blood loss, reduced scarring, less pain, and shorter hospital stays. As more patients seek this advanced treatment option, the demand for experienced doctors and well - equipped institutions has increased.
Top Doctors in New York City for Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Surgery
Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein
Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein is a multi - board - certified pediatric surgeon. He has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2008 and has been featured in New York magazine. His expertise includes chest wall deformities, pectus excavatum, and congenital anomalies. He is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital and Cohen Children's Medical Center. Dr. Bodenstein graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1986 and has extensive training in critical care medicine and pediatric surgery. His long - standing recognition and diverse expertise make him a top choice for pediatric patients with pectus excavatum.
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein
Dr. Lyall Gorenstein specializes in thoracic surgery, with a special focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum. He is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Graduated from Canada in 1983, he 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. His specialization in minimally invasive techniques makes him well - suited for performing pectus excavatum surgeries.
Leading Institutions in New York City for Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Surgery
New York - Presbyterian Queens
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. Their thoracic surgery program is one of the most sophisticated minimally invasive thoracic surgery programs in the world. They offer a wide range of minimally invasive surgical treatments, including the minimally invasive Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum. Their team of board - certified, highly trained surgeons provides outstanding patient - centered care. Doctors such as Benjamin Enoch Lee and Oliver S. Chow are part of the skilled team at this institution.
Montefiore Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery
The Montefiore Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIMIS) is the most comprehensive, state - of - the - art facility in the New York–New Jersey–Connecticut area. It furthered education, treatment, and research in the field of minimally invasive surgery. The benefits of minimally invasive approaches, such as significant reduction in blood loss, scarring, and pain, are emphasized at this institution. They have the largest residency training program in the northeast and are a test site for new technologies. Their commitment to advancing the field of minimally invasive surgery makes them a great option for pectus excavatum patients.
Comparative Analysis of Doctors and Institutions
Doctor Specialization and Experience
| Doctor | Specialization | Years of Experience | Affiliated Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein | Pediatric surgery, chest wall deformities | Since 1994 (fellowship in pediatric surgery completed) | Lenox Hill Hospital, Cohen Children's Medical Center |
| Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein | Thoracic surgery, minimally invasive techniques | Since 1983 (graduation) | New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center |
Institution Facilities and Services
| Institution | Facility Features | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|
| New York - Presbyterian Queens | Three - star rating from STS, state - of - the - art diagnostic, surgical, and intensive care units | Robotic thoracic surgery, video - assisted thoracoscopic surgery, minimally invasive Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum |
| Montefiore Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery | Largest residency training program in the northeast, teleconference facility for live surgery broadcast, revolutionary virtual reality teaching stations | Minimally invasive surgery for various conditions, research on new minimally invasive techniques |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor or Institution
Doctor - Related Factors
- Experience: Look for doctors with a significant number of pectus excavatum surgeries under their belt. Doctors like Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein, with years of experience in pediatric surgery and a focus on chest wall deformities, are more likely to have better outcomes.
- Board Certification: Board - certified doctors have met the highest standards in their field. For example, Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein's board certification in surgery and thoracic surgery is a testament to his expertise.
- Patient Reviews: Check patient reviews to get an idea of the doctor's bedside manner, communication skills, and the overall patient experience. You can find reviews on platforms that specialize in doctor ratings.
Institution - Related Factors
- Facility Reputation: Institutions with high - quality ratings, such as New York - Presbyterian Queens with its three - star STS rating, are more likely to provide excellent care.
- Available Technology: State - of - the - art technology can enhance the surgical process and improve outcomes. Montefiore Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery's investment in new technologies makes it an attractive option.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: A team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, etc., can provide comprehensive care. New York - Presbyterian Queens has a multidisciplinary team for thoracic surgery patients.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Case Study: A Pediatric Patient at Lenox Hill Hospital
A young patient with pectus excavatum was brought to Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein at Lenox Hill Hospital. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Bodenstein recommended a minimally invasive surgical approach. The surgery was successful, and the patient experienced a short hospital stay and a relatively quick recovery. The patient's cardiopulmonary function improved, and the cosmetic appearance of the chest also showed significant enhancement. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of Dr. Bodenstein's treatment approach and the quality of care at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Case Study: An Adult Patient at New York - Presbyterian Queens
An adult patient with a long - standing pectus excavatum condition came to New York - Presbyterian Queens. The team of thoracic surgeons, led by Benjamin Enoch Lee, decided on a customized minimally invasive Nuss procedure. The patient was closely monitored before, during, and after the surgery. Thanks to the institution's advanced facilities and the surgeons' expertise, the patient's condition improved, and they were able to return to their normal activities in a shorter time than expected.
Research and Advancements in Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Surgery
National Trends in Pectus Excavatum Repair
According to the study "National trends in pectus excavatum repair: patient age, facility volume, and outcomes," there are significant differences in complication rates and charges when comparing patients by age. Older patients may have higher rates of complications and charges compared to younger patients. High - volume facilities may offer benefits such as shorter lengths of stay. This research can help doctors and institutions in New York City to optimize their treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.
Technological Advancements
Advancements in minimally invasive surgical technology, such as robotic - assisted surgery and improved imaging techniques, are constantly emerging. These technologies can provide more precise surgical procedures, reduce the risk of complications, and improve patient recovery. Institutions in New York City, like Montefiore Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, are at the forefront of adopting and researching these new technologies.
Challenges and Limitations in Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Surgery
Patient - Related Challenges
Patient age can be a significant factor in the success of minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery. Older patients may have a higher risk of complications, as shown in the national research. Additionally, some patients may have underlying health conditions that can complicate the surgical process and recovery.
Institutional Challenges
Institutions may face challenges in keeping up with the latest technological advancements due to high costs. Training surgeons to use new technologies also requires time and resources. Moreover, maintaining a high - quality multidisciplinary team can be difficult in a competitive medical environment.
Future Outlook for Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Surgery in New York City
Improved Treatment Outcomes
With continuous research and technological advancements, the outcomes of minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery are expected to improve. Doctors will be able to use more precise techniques, and patients will experience fewer complications and faster recoveries.
Expanded Access to Care
As more institutions invest in minimally invasive surgical programs and train more doctors, the access to high - quality care for pectus excavatum patients in New York City is likely to expand. This will benefit more patients who previously may not have had access to advanced treatment options.
Conclusion
In New York City, there are several outstanding doctors and institutions for minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery. Doctors like Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein and Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, along with institutions such as New York - Presbyterian Queens and Montefiore Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, offer high - quality care and advanced treatment options. When choosing a doctor or institution, patients should consider factors such as doctor experience, institution reputation, and available technology. Despite the challenges and limitations, the future outlook for minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery in New York City is promising, with the potential for improved treatment outcomes and expanded access to care.
If you or someone you know is considering minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery in New York City, we encourage you to research further, consult with multiple doctors, and explore the available options at these top - notch institutions. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information and continue to stay informed about the latest advancements in this field.
