Introduction
Pectus excavatum is a relatively common congenital chest wall deformity where the breastbone and ribs grow abnormally, resulting in a sunken or caved - in appearance. Minimally invasive surgery for pectus excavatum has emerged as a preferred option due to its numerous benefits such as less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times. In New York City, there are several hospitals that offer high - quality minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgeries. This article will provide an in - depth look at these hospitals, along with a price list and other relevant information.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum can vary in severity, from mild cases that may not cause significant problems to severe ones that can affect lung and heart function. Approximately 40% of people with pectus excavatum have one or more family members with the defect, and it occurs more often in males than in females. In severe cases, it can cause symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat.
Diagnosis of pectus excavatum is typically done through multiple tools, including visual examination of the chest, auscultation to analyze heart and chest sounds, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, pulmonary function testing, chest x - ray, CT - scan, and the Haller index. A Haller index of greater than 3.25 is generally considered severe (a normal Haller index is 2.5).
Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery for pectus excavatum offers many advantages over traditional open surgery. The minimally invasive Nuss procedure is a common approach. During this procedure, general anesthesia is used. Two small incisions are made on each side of the chest, and a thoracoscopic camera is inserted through a separate small incision to view the inside of the chest. A convex bar, known as the Lorenz pectus bar, which is specially shaped to fit the individual’s anatomy, is inserted through the passage and turned to push the sternum outward. The bar remains in place for at least three years while the chest contour re - forms to its new shape, and then it is removed as an outpatient procedure.
Another procedure is the modified Ravitch repair, which also has its own benefits. It involves a horizontal incision, removing small pieces of deformed chest cartilage, and repositioning the protruding ribs and sternum. Titanium bars are secured to the ribs and sternum to support the repaired chest architecture. The bars used today can often remain permanently in place, avoiding the need for a second operation.
Hospitals in New York City for Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Surgery
NewYork - Presbyterian Queens
NewYork - Presbyterian Queens has an outstanding thoracic surgery program. It 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 surgeons, in collaboration with Weill Cornell Medicine, provide the latest in surgical techniques and comprehensive care for patients with diseases of the chest, including pectus excavatum.
The hospital offers a highly sophisticated minimally invasive thoracic surgery program. Their world - class thoracic surgeons are committed to using the most advanced minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical techniques. For pectus excavatum, they offer the minimally invasive Nuss procedure.
The multidisciplinary team at NewYork - Presbyterian Queens consists of thoracic surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, neurologists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, dedicated thoracic intensive care nurses, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, and social workers. This team collaborates to deliver seamless, high - quality care to patients before, during, and after their hospital stay.
Contact information:
- Address: 56 - 45 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355
- Phone: 718 - 670 - 2707
NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center
Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, affiliated with this hospital, 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 provides advanced facilities and a skilled medical team for pectus excavatum surgery.
The center likely follows the latest surgical techniques and research in the field of minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery. Their expertise allows them to offer individualized treatment plans based on each patient's specific condition.
Contact information:
- You can call 866 - 721 - 8718 for more information
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for pectus excavatum. Their team includes experts from various specialties who work together to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
They offer a range of diagnostic and treatment options, including minimally invasive surgical procedures. The hospital's commitment to research and innovation means that patients can benefit from the latest advancements in pectus excavatum treatment.
Patients can browse their list of providers who treat pectus excavatum and schedule an appointment online. Although specific details about their minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery may require further inquiry, their reputation for high - quality care in the medical community is well - established.
Contact information:
- Visit https://nyulangone.org/doctors/condition/pectus - excavatum (not included in final output) to browse providers and schedule an appointment
Price List for Minimally Invasive Pectus Excavatum Surgery
The cost of minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of procedure, the length of surgery, the size of implants (if used), and individual patient - related factors. Here is a general breakdown of costs based on available information:
| Procedure Type | Components | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Pectus Surgery | Consultation visit fee (credited towards surgery) | $200 |
| Molding fee for simple pectus implant (paid to dr. Momeni’s office) | $500 | |
| Implant creation for simple pectus implant (approximate, can vary slightly) | $2500 | |
| Surgery fee | $19500 | |
| Anesthesia/O.R. fees | $1800 | |
| Approximate total expenses (not including travel, etc.) | $24500 | |
| Advanced Pectus Implant | Under - muscle implant (computer CAD based implant using CT scan) | $5500 |
| Surgery fee | $19500 | |
| Anesthesia/O.R. fees | $2600 | |
| Optional fat grafting (add - on) | $3000 - $6000 | |
| Approximate total expenses (not including travel, etc.) | $27500 |
It's important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost at each hospital in New York City may differ. Additionally, insurance coverage can play a significant role in the out - of - pocket expenses for patients. Simple pectus techniques that are mainly for cosmetic purposes may not be covered by health plans, but if patients plan to use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), some hospitals can provide a letter of support indicating that the treatment is for a congenital condition.
Benefits of Choosing Minimally Invasive Surgery in New York City Hospitals
One of the main benefits of choosing a hospital in New York City for minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery is the access to highly skilled and experienced surgeons. These surgeons are often at the forefront of medical research and are trained in the latest techniques.
The multidisciplinary approach in these hospitals ensures that patients receive comprehensive care. From pre - operative evaluations by cardiologists and pulmonologists to post - operative care and rehabilitation, all aspects of the patient's treatment are coordinated.
New York City hospitals also offer state - of - the - art facilities, including advanced diagnostic tools and surgical equipment. This allows for more accurate diagnoses and safer, more effective surgeries.
Another advantage is the potential for better long - term outcomes. Minimally invasive surgery typically results in less scarring, less pain, and a quicker return to normal activities. With the expertise available in New York City hospitals, patients can expect high - quality care that maximizes their chances of a successful recovery.
Pre - operative and Post - operative Care
Pre - operative Care
Before undergoing minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery, patients need to undergo a complete medical exam and various medical tests. These may include an electrocardiogram (ECG) and possibly an echocardiogram to show how the heart is functioning, pulmonary function tests to check for breathing problems, and a CT scan or MRI of the chest.
Patients should inform the surgeon or nurse about all the medicines they are taking, including drugs, herbs, vitamins, or any other supplements bought without a prescription. They also need to disclose any allergies they may have to medicine, latex, tape, or skin cleanser.
About 7 days before surgery, patients may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other blood - thinning drugs. The surgeon will specify which drugs the patient should still take on the day of surgery. On the day of surgery, patients will likely be asked not to drink or eat anything after midnight the night before, but they can take any drugs the surgeon told them to give with a small sip of water. Arriving at the hospital on time is crucial, and the surgeon will ensure that the patient has no signs of illness before proceeding with the surgery.
Post - operative Care
After the surgery, the length of the hospital stay can vary. It is common for patients to stay in the hospital for 3 to 7 days, depending on how well the recovery is going. Pain is common after the surgery, and for the first few days, patients may receive strong pain medicine through an IV or an epidural. After that, pain is usually managed with oral medicines.
Patients may have tubes in the chest around the surgical cuts to drain extra fluid that collects from the procedure. These tubes will remain in place until they stop draining, usually after a few days, and then they are removed.
The day after surgery, patients are encouraged to sit up, take deep breaths, and get out of bed and walk. At first, patients will not be able to bend, twist, or roll from side to side, but activities will slowly be increased. When patients can walk without help, they are usually ready to go home. Before leaving the hospital, patients will receive a prescription for pain medicine and instructions for caring for themselves at home.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City offers several excellent hospitals for minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery. Hospitals like NewYork - Presbyterian Queens, NewYork - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and NYU Langone Health have highly skilled surgeons, advanced facilities, and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Minimally invasive surgery for pectus excavatum has numerous benefits, including less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times.
The cost of the surgery can vary depending on multiple factors, but a general price list has been provided to give patients an idea of the potential expenses. Pre - operative and post - operative care are essential aspects of the treatment process, and patients should follow all the instructions given by their medical team.
If you or someone you know is considering minimally invasive pectus excavatum surgery in New York City, we encourage you to contact one of the hospitals mentioned in this article. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific condition and learn more about the surgical options available. You can also share this article with others who may find it helpful.
