Top 5 selected doctors for pectus excavatum correction in New York City! 2025
Introduction
Pectus excavatum, also known as sunken or funnel chest, is a congenital condition where the sternum and some ribs grow abnormally, causing the chest wall to sink. This condition can affect the heart and lungs, leading to issues such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fast heartbeat. Surgical correction is often an option for those with severe cases. In New York City, there are several highly - skilled doctors who specialize in pectus excavatum correction. Here are the top 5 selected doctors in 2025.
1. Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein
Profile
Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein is a pediatric surgeon based in New York, NY. He is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital and Cohen Children's Medical Center. His long - standing association with these reputed medical institutions gives him access to state - of - the - art facilities and a team of experienced medical professionals.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum
As a pediatric surgeon, Dr. Bodenstein is well - versed in treating young patients with pectus excavatum. His expertise allows him to provide personalized treatment plans for children, taking into account their growing bodies and unique needs. He understands the physical and emotional impact that pectus excavatum can have on children and their families, and he is committed to providing compassionate care.
Contact Information
- Phone: (646) 973 - 3822
- Location: New York, NY
2. Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein
Profile
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein specializes in thoracic surgery, with a special focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum. He practices primarily in New York, NY, and is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Graduating from Canada in 1983 and completing his training at top - tier institutions such as Univ Toronto Affil Hosp, UT MD Anderson Canc Ctr, and Univ Toronto Affil Hosp, he has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum
Dr. Gorenstein's focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery is a significant advantage for pectus excavatum patients. Minimally invasive procedures typically result in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries. His in - depth knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the chest makes him well - qualified to perform complex pectus excavatum correction surgeries.
Contact Information
- Phone: 866 - 721 - 8718
- Location: New York, NY
3. Dr. Benjamin E. Lee
Profile
Dr. Benjamin E. Lee is a board - certified thoracic surgeon. He provides world - class care and specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders and diseases of the chest, including benign and malignant tumors of the lungs, esophagus, and the mediastinum. He is an associate attending cardiothoracic surgeon at New York - Presbyterian Hospital and an associate professor of clinical cardiothoracic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum
Dr. Lee utilizes cutting - edge technologies, including robotic and VATS (video - assisted thoracoscopic surgery) techniques, to offer his patients the best outcomes for pectus excavatum correction. His vast experience in treating a wide range of chest disorders gives him a comprehensive understanding of the chest anatomy and allows him to develop innovative solutions for pectus excavatum cases. He has a strong track record of success in performing the Nuss procedure, a common minimally invasive technique for pectus excavatum correction.
Contact Information
- Cardiothoracic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center: 525 East 68th Street, M - 404, New York, NY 10065. Call to schedule: (212) 746 - 5043
- Thoracic surgery at NYP / Queens: 56 - 45 Main Street, Suite S 376, Flushing, NY 11355. Call to schedule: (718) 670 - 2707
4. Dr. Keith A. Kuenzler
Profile
Dr. Keith A. Kuenzler is a pediatric (general) surgery doctor in New York, New York. He is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including NYU Langone Hospitals, Hackensack University Medical Center at Hackensack Meridian Health, and NYC Health and Hospitals - Bellevue. He received his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and has been in practice for more than 20 years.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Kuenzler has a deep understanding of pediatric surgical procedures, including pectus excavatum correction. He has been involved in numerous research projects related to pediatric surgery, which has kept him at the forefront of the latest treatment techniques. His patients highly rate him for his excellent bedside manner, providing detailed explanations to both patients and their parents about the surgical process and expected outcomes.
Contact Information
- Office address: 530 1st Avenue, Suite 10 W, New York, NY, 10016
- Phone: 212 - 263 - 7391
5. Dong - Seok Lee, MD
Profile
Dong - Seok Lee, MD, specializes in thoracic surgery. He is part of Mount Sinai Doctors at the Ruttenberg Treatment Center, located at 1470 Madison Avenue, 3rd floor, New York, NY, 10029. He has a 4.9 - star rating, indicating high patient satisfaction.
Expertise in Pectus Excavatum
Dr. Dong - Seok Lee's expertise in thoracic surgery makes him a suitable choice for pectus excavatum correction. He is likely to be familiar with both traditional and minimally invasive surgical techniques for pectus excavatum. His high patient satisfaction rating suggests that he is not only skilled in surgery but also good at communicating with patients and addressing their concerns.
Contact Information
- Phone: 212 - 241 - 4325
- Location: New York, NY
Comparing the Doctors
| Doctor | Specialty | Affiliated Hospital | Experience | Unique Expertise | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein | Pediatric Surgery | Lenox Hill Hospital, Cohen Children's Medical Center | Not specified but affiliated with reputed institutions | Treating pediatric patients with pectus excavatum | Phone: (646) 973 - 3822; Location: New York, NY |
| Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein | Thoracic Surgery | New York - Presbyterian / Columbia University Irving Medical Center | Graduated in 1983, extensive training at top institutions | Minimally invasive thoracic surgery for pectus excavatum | Phone: 866 - 721 - 8718; Location: New York, NY |
| Dr. Benjamin E. Lee | Thoracic Surgery | New York - Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College | Board - certified, extensive experience in chest surgeries | Use of robotic and VATS techniques for pectus excavatum | Weill Cornell Medical Center: (212) 746 - 5043; NYP / Queens: (718) 670 - 2707 |
| Dr. Keith A. Kuenzler | Pediatric (General) Surgery | NYU Langone Hospitals, Hackensack University Medical Center, NYC Health and Hospitals - Bellevue | Over 20 years | Experience in pediatric pectus excavatum correction, research - based approach | Office: 530 1st Avenue, Suite 10 W, New York, NY, 10016; Phone: 212 - 263 - 7391 |
| Dong - Seok Lee, MD | Thoracic Surgery | Mount Sinai Doctors (Ruttenberg Treatment Center) | Not specified, high patient satisfaction (4.9 stars) | Overall thoracic surgery expertise for pectus excavatum | Phone: 212 - 241 - 4325; Location: New York, NY |
How to Choose the Right Doctor
When choosing a doctor for pectus excavatum correction in New York City, several factors should be considered. Firstly, the patient's age is crucial. If the patient is a child, a pediatric surgeon like Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein or Dr. Keith A. Kuenzler may be a better choice as they have specialized experience in treating young patients. Secondly, the preferred surgical approach matters. If a patient is interested in minimally invasive surgery, doctors like Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein or Dr. Benjamin E. Lee, who are experienced in using advanced minimally invasive techniques, would be more suitable. Thirdly, the patient's insurance coverage should be verified with the doctor's office to ensure affordability. Finally, patient reviews and word - of - mouth recommendations can provide valuable insights into the doctor's skills and bedside manner.
Preparing for Pectus Excavatum Surgery
Before undergoing pectus excavatum surgery, patients and their families should have a detailed discussion with the chosen doctor. The doctor will explain the surgical procedure, including the type of surgery (such as the Nuss procedure or modified Ravitch repair), the expected recovery time, and potential risks and complications. Patients may need to undergo a series of pre - operative tests, such as X - rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, to measure the Haller index and assess the severity of the condition. They should also be prepared to follow the doctor's instructions regarding diet, medication, and physical activity before the surgery. Mental preparation is also important, as patients should have a clear understanding of what to expect during and after the surgery.
Recovery and Follow - up Care
After pectus excavatum surgery, the recovery process can vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient's overall health. In general, patients can expect some pain and discomfort in the chest area, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the doctor. They may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring. During the recovery period, patients will be advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow a specific rehabilitation program, which may include light exercises and breathing exercises. Regular follow - up appointments with the doctor are essential to monitor the healing process, check for any complications, and adjust the treatment plan if necessary. The doctor will also provide guidance on when the patient can gradually return to normal activities.
Conclusion
In 2025, New York City is home to several outstanding doctors for pectus excavatum correction. Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein, Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, Dr. Benjamin E. Lee, Dr. Keith A. Kuenzler, and Dong - Seok Lee, MD, each bring their unique expertise and experience to the table. Whether it's pediatric care, minimally invasive surgery, or the use of advanced technologies, these doctors offer high - quality treatment options for patients with pectus excavatum. When considering pectus excavatum correction, it's important for patients and their families to do thorough research, consult with multiple doctors, and make an informed decision based on their individual needs and circumstances.
Call - to - action: If you or someone you know is suffering from pectus excavatum, don't hesitate to reach out to one of these top doctors in New York City. Contact their offices to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident life. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information.
