How Much Does Pectus Excavatum Surgery Cost?

Last Updated on September 18, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Pectus excavatum is a chest wall deformity that causes a sunken or caved-in appearance of the sternum and ribs. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the deformity for medical or cosmetic reasons. But how much does pectus excavatum surgery cost?

In this article, we’ll break down the typical costs of the two main surgical procedures used to correct pectus excavatum—the minimally invasive Nuss procedure and the more involved Ravitch procedure. We’ll look at what impacts the surgery fees, from hospital charges to surgeon rates, and how insurance factors in. We’ll also explore financing options to make pectus excavatum surgery more affordable.

How Much Does Pectus Excavatum Surgery Cost?

The costs of pectus excavatum surgery can be quite high, typically ranging from $20,000 to $80,000 or more.

To understand the full costs, it helps to look at an itemized breakdown of typical fees:

Pre-Surgery Expenses

• Initial consultations – $200 – $500
• Diagnostic tests (CT scans, x-rays, EKG) – $1,000 – $3,000
• Cardiac and pulmonary function tests – $2,000 – $5,000
• Specialist follow-up visits – $200 – $300 per visit

Surgery Day Costs

• Hospital OR fees – $5,000 – $20,000
• Surgeon’s fee – $5,000 – $30,000+
• Anesthesia fees- $2,000 – $5,000
• Surgical equipment (bars, plates, implants) – $5,000 – $20,000
• Laboratory tests, bloodwork – $300 – $500

Post-Surgery Expenses

• Hospital stays per day – $2,000 – $7,000
• Pain medications – $200 – $500
• Physical therapy – $100 – $250 per session
• Follow-up medical visits – $200 – $400 per visit

Total Pectus Excavatum Surgery Cost – $20,000 to $90,000

Families should anticipate the higher end of the range for more severe cases or treatment in major metro areas.

According to Simple Pectus, the SIMPLE Pectus surgery ranges from $24,000 to $27,000. This cost includes various components such as a consultation fee of $200, a molding fee of $500, and a surgery fee of $19,500. Additional costs may arise from optional procedures like fat grafting, which can add between $3,000 and $6,000 to the total.

In contrast, the Nuss procedure, which is one of the most common surgical options for pectus excavatum, typically costs between $40,000 and $60,000, as reported by Medical Tourism Co. Some patients have reported costs as high as $100,000 when uninsured. This price range includes hospital stays and associated medical expenses.

The Pectus International website states that the Nuss procedure generally costs around $50,000 to $60,000. They also mention that the Ravitch procedure can range from $35,000 to $75,000, depending on the severity of the condition and other factors.

A personal account shared on Reddit highlights a case where a patient underwent the Nuss procedure at the Mayo Clinic, with total costs reaching approximately $112,000. However, after insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket expense was around $900. Another user noted that their surgery in Argentina cost about $13,000, significantly lower than U.S. prices.

Lastly, Mr. Pectus indicates that costs for pectus excavatum surgery can vary widely based on individual circumstances and hospital fees. The Nuss procedure’s average cost is cited as being between $40,000 and $65,000, while some patients without insurance might face bills up to $100,000.

Pectus Excavatum Overview

Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity of the anterior chest wall, causing the sternum and adjacent ribs to grow abnormally inward, resulting in a hollowed or caved-in appearance of the chest. It typically worsens during adolescent growth spurts.

While often a cosmetic concern, moderate to severe cases can also impair cardiac and respiratory function. Surgery may be recommended due to:

• Cardiac/respiratory impairment from compressed organs
• Reduced lung capacity and stamina
• Physical limitations affecting activity
• Psychological effects like body image issues

Surgery is most commonly performed between ages 5 to 18 years old while the chest wall is still malleable from cartilage growth. After skeletal maturity, correction becomes more difficult. Early evaluation by a pediatric specialist is recommended if pectus excavatum is suspected.

Surgical Correction Options

There are two main surgical procedures used to correct pectus excavatum, with the choice depending on case severity and patient age:

Nuss Procedure

This minimally invasive surgery involves placing one or more curved metal bars behind the sternum to push it forward into the proper position. The bar remains implanted for 2-3 years until the chest firms up in the corrected position, then a second surgery is done to remove it.

Ravitch Procedure

This open surgery involves making an incision at the lower sternum, removing abnormal costal cartilage, repositioning the sternum, and installing a titanium plate or strut for support. It provides immediate correction but requires a longer, more painful recovery period.

In general, the less invasive Nuss procedure costs more than the Ravitch. But numerous factors affect the overall pricing.

You might also like our articles about the cost of back surgery, heart surgery, or SLAP tear surgery.

Factors Influencing Surgery Costs

Pectus excavatum surgery costs can vary widely case-by-case based on several factors:

• Severity of the deformity – Complex repairs cost more than mild cases.
• Surgical approach – The Nuss procedure generally costs more than the Ravitch technique.
• Surgeon fees – Pediatric thoracic surgery specialists charge higher rates.
• Hospital charges – Private hospitals are typically much more expensive than public hospitals.
• Anesthesia fees – General anesthesia is more expensive than local anesthesia.
• Equipment costs – Nuss bars, Ravitch plates/struts, prosthetics.
• Length of hospital stay – More nights raise the total fees.
• Medications and post-op care – Pain management, physical therapy, follow-up appointments.
• Geography – Major metro areas have the highest healthcare costs.

Hospital and Surgeon Fees

To understand the primary cost drivers, here is a breakdown of typical fee proportions:

• Hospital fees – 25-35% of total costs
• Surgeon payments – 25-35% of total costs
• Anesthesia – 5-15% of total costs
• Medical equipment – 10-15% of total costs
• Medications and post-operative care – 15-20% of total costs

The hospital charges for operating room time and the surgeon’s professional fees make up over 50% of the total on average. Healthcare costs also vary significantly between regions, as we’ll discuss next.

Geographic Variations

Pectus surgery costs can be dramatically different based on geographic location, with prices in the U.S. driven higher by factors like:

• Higher physician and nurse wages
• Liability insurance expenses
• Latest technology adoption
• For-profit healthcare model

Here are some location-based price comparisons:

• Major U.S. cities – $50,000 to $100,000+
• Western Europe – $20,000 to $40,000
• Mexico – $15,000 to $30,000
• Southeast Asia – $8,000 to $20,000
• Eastern Europe – $5,000 to $15,000

Overseas hospitals provide high quality care and accept international patients, albeit requiring travel. Researching affordable options in different regions can yield significant savings on pectus surgery costs for cash-paying patients.

Health Insurance Coverage

One major factor affecting out-of-pocket costs is the level of health insurance coverage for pectus excavatum surgery. Policies vary significantly in this area:

• Procedures deemed medically necessary have the best chance of full coverage or low patient responsibility.
• Procedures deemed cosmetic only are less likely to be covered and often have exclusions.
• Insurance companies may require documentation of medical necessity from cardiologists or pulmonologists to approve claims.
• Managed care plans may dictate allowable surgeon and facility payments, capping costs.
• Significant deductibles, copays or coinsurance still leave patients with sizable out-of-pocket costs.

Even with coverage, families should be prepared for potential $5,000 to $20,000+ in personal surgical costs. Talk to providers ahead of time for accurate estimates.

Financial Assistance Options

For families having difficulty affording pectus surgery expenses, some options to explore include:

• Payment plans – Offered by many hospitals to break up costs into manageable monthly installments.
• Medical loans – Specialized financing companies catering to elective surgery costs. Can provide fixed-rate loans.
• Non-profit foundations – Organizations that provide financial aid and grants to families with surgical needs.
• Crowdfunding campaigns – Creating an online fundraiser through sites like GoFundMe to raise support.
• Healthcare sharing ministries – Groups where members contribute to share other members’ medical costs.
• Regional programs – Some counties or states offer assistance programs for children’s surgical needs.

Discuss all payment and financial options openly with your surgical team and hospital ahead of time to ease financial stress.

Long-Term Cost Considerations

While we have focused primarily on upfront surgical costs, there are also potential long-term cost factors to consider:

• Follow-up surgeries – If initial results are unsatisfactory or complications occur that require corrections.
• Bar removal surgery – A second surgery is required to remove the Nuss bar after several years, incurring additional facility fees.
• Extended physical therapy – Some patients require ongoing therapy for optimal results.
• Pain management costs – If chronic pain develops, medications or procedures may be needed.
• Psychological counseling – Body image or self-esteem therapy expenses.
• Lost wages from recovery – For adults unable to work during healing period.

Discuss the potential for these added costs with your surgical team as well when planning financially for pectus surgery.

Affordable Pectus Excavatum Surgeons

An experienced, board-certified pediatric thoracic surgeon is vital for safe, effective pectus surgery. Here are tips for finding affordable options:

• Check hospital networks you have existing relationships with first.
• Compare average surgeon fees in your geographic area.
• Ask if the surgeon offers any prompt payment discounts.
• Consider traveling to a qualified surgeon in a lower-cost region if able.
• Verify the surgeon has ample pectus correction experience and ongoing education.

An experienced surgeon with hundreds of pectus procedures under their belt is worth the investment for best results.

Final Words

While often expensive procedures ranging from $20,000 to $80,000, the Nuss and Ravitch pectus excavatum surgery options can greatly improve chest appearance and function when nonsurgical treatments are insufficient.

Work closely with your health insurance provider and surgeons to understand expected costs. Be sure to explore financial assistance programs that can help make surgery possible if the deformity is severely impacting physical or mental health.

Answers to Common Questions

When should pectus excavatum be repaired?

Moderate to severe cases causing respiratory/cardiac problems, physical limitations, or psychological distress are recommended for surgery, usually between ages 5-18 while the chest is still pliable. Mild cases may not necessitate surgery but can be monitored by a pediatrician or specialist.

What are the restrictions for pectus excavatum surgery?

After pectus surgery, exercise and physical activity are restricted for 6-8 weeks to allow proper healing. Heavy lifting over 15 pounds is typically not permitted. Restrictions on driving, work duties, and vigorous play are also common during the recovery period. Patients should follow all postoperative directions from their surgeon.

How long does it take to fully recover from pectus excavatum surgery?

Full recovery typically takes 8-12 weeks, with the most intensive healing occurring in the first 6 weeks post-surgery. During this time, pain and activity restrictions slowly ease. Many patients return to normal activity around 3 months after surgery but maximum healing takes about a year. Follow all surgeon instructions during recovery.