Pectus Excavatum Surgery Cost

Pectus Excavatum is a common health condition that is mainly due to the rapid growth of the body. When you take a look at the different treatment options available for Pectus Excavatum, you will figure out that Nuss Procedure, Ravitch Technique, and Vacuum Bell therapy hold a prominent place. However, it is also essential to have a clear understanding of the cost associated with these treatments before you go ahead with a one.

How much does the Nuss Procedure cost? 

The Nuss Procedure is highly recommended for adults who have Pectus Excavatum. Here, two small holes will be cut on two sides of the chest. After that, a curved steel bar will be placed under the sternum. This steel bar is custom designed according to the patient. During the surgical treatment procedure, the steel bar will be placed inside the body. This steel bar used for Nuss Procedure will not be visible from outside. It will be kept for two to three years. The time taken for the Nuss procedure to deliver positive results would vary on the harshness of deformity. You will have to go through another surgical procedure to get the steel bar out.


It would usually cost around $50,000 to $60,000 (some patients without insurance have paid up to $100,000!) for you to go through the Nuss procedure. On the other hand, you will have to spend around 2 to 3 days in the hospital for one surgical procedure. Hence, the cost of hospitalisation, medicine, and anaesthesia is included within the charge. 


Recently, I found some useful information about a person who opted for a Nuss procedure in Texas, without insurance. His deformity was very severe, causing it to compress the heart and lungs. For privacy reasons, I didn't state his full name. I found this information on a Facebook page about Pectus Excavatum. His final bill came out to $61,158 as seen below.

nuss procedure hospital bill totalling $61158

Apothecary: $6,887 

Surgery Materials: $6,245

ECG (Electrocardiogram): $120

Surgery Room: $15,400

Operation: $25,600

Anaesthesia: $3,766

Chemistry Laboratory: $200

X-Rays: $1150

Physical Exercising/Recovery: $960

Pulmonary Activity: $830

Final Bill: $61,158

How much does the Ravitch Technique cost?

During the Ravitch procedure, an extended cut will be made across the chest. The main objective of this cut would be to remove excess cartilage. Along with that, your rib cage will be repositioned as well. Then a wedge bone graft will be implanted to correct Pectus Excavatum. 


During this treatment, two different titanium rods will be placed in your chest. These rods are positioned under the sternum. Then they will be able to offer the support needed for the rib cage. These rods will not be noticeable. You can get them removed after three years.


The cost associated with the Ravitch procedure will be around $35,000 to $75,000. The cost varies depending on the severity of the patients Pectus Excavatum. Since this is a surgical procedure, the patient will have to get admitted to the hospital two times, spending 2-3 days at a time in a hospital bed.


How much does a Vacuum Bell cost? 

Vacuum bell therapy is a non-invasive and non-surgical treatment option available for the people to overcome Pectus Excavatum. Here, a vacuum bell device is used to create a vacuum on the chest daily, for around 30 minutes to an hour, causing the sternum to rise. After about 1–3 years of daily use, the sternum will permanently hold in place.

Since vacuum bell therapy is not a surgical procedure, it is much more affordable in comparison to the $60,000+ you’d spend on surgery. You should expect to spend around $400-$1000 on a Vacuum Bell, making them the most cost-effective route. 

Our Vacuum Bells cost $389, have free DHL Express shipping, and are even medically certified. You can buy one here, and fix your Pectus Excavatum today.