By age 9, it became clear that the recessed chest Jacob was born with was officially pectus excavatum, better known as a “sunken” or “caved-in” chest.

The condition and ideal treatment timeline were discussed annually at his pediatric well-visits. Still, the ailment wasn’t affecting Jacob’s health, and he was seemingly untroubled by it, so his parents also remained unconcerned for the time being.

At age 15, his pediatrician reminded Jacob and his parents the ideal window for correcting his condition was closing. So, Jacob and his parents scheduled a consultation with Rajeev Prasad, MD, Pediatric General Surgeon at St. Luke’s University Health Network to learn more.

“I was known as the kid with the hole in his chest,” says Jacob. “That made me feel I should get something done about it.”

Normally a little shy, Jacob immediately hit it off with Dr. Prasad. “Thanks to the rapport Dr. Prasad established, Jacob felt comfortable opening up and asking questions,” shared stepmom Cheryl. Adds Jacob, “Dr. Prasad is an extremely nice guy and respectful, and pretty funny.”

As a pediatric general surgeon, Dr. Prasad performs a full spectrum of surgery on children, from premature babies to young adults. Surgeries range from simple to complex, including the removal of cysts on the face and scalp, to thyroid, lung and esophageal surgeries and abstracting lumps and bumps from extremities.

Dr. Prasad has a special interest in chest wall abnormalities and has been performing the Nuss Procedure, which he recommended for Jacob, for more than twenty years.

“Pectus Excavatum can cause issues with exercise intolerance and pain,” explains Dr. Prasad, “but the cosmetic component causes psychological and self-esteem issues, which are just as important, especially for teens.”

The ideal age for the procedure is 10 to 14. The chest wall is still flexible, and a younger patient may not be mature enough to consent. Says Dr. Prasad, “I really want the patient to make the decision that “I want to get this done” and not just have a parent make the decision for him.” The minimally invasive procedure requires two small incisions on the sides of the chest followed by camera-assisted implantation of the metal bar(s).

Nervous but confident on the morning of the surgery, Jacob’s parents said everyone at St. Luke’s University Hospital - Bethlehem was great. “We didn’t wait around - everything moved along and Dr. Prasad communicated with us throughout the 90-minute procedure,” says Cheryl. Jacob stayed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for 48 hours following his surgery.

“The unit was awesome,” remembers Cheryl. “Everyone was wonderful, the nurses were amazing, and there was a window right next to Jacob so the care team could see him 24/7.”

Jacob’s dad slept comfortably in his room every night.

Coming home equipped with a walker, a few days of medication and tips for how to sit properly, Jacob began his recovery, which included limited movement. One month later, he was healing well.

He will continue to see Dr. Prasad twice a year and have the bar removed in three years. In the meantime, Jacob is back at work and started his senior year of high school. Jacob’s parents appreciated how nice everyone was - in the surgical suite, the PICU and the Pediatrics Inpatient Unit.

Says Jacob, “I have a lot more confidence and will be able to work out more and feel a lot better about myself.”

Pediatric Specialty Services

St. Luke’s Pediatrics offers primary care pediatric services in Carbon and Schuylkill counties to manage childhood illnesses and provide preventive care for your youngest family members.

When more specialized care is needed, we have a network of specialty pediatric practices to help your children - from birth to young adulthood - manage complicated illnesses and diseases.

St. Luke’s Pediatric Specialty Center in Center Valley, the region’s only free-standing facility dedicated entirely to caring for kids, is just a short drive from our St. Luke’s Carbon and Miners Campuses. Specialty services offered there include:

• Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy

• Primary Care Pediatrics

• Developmental

• Pulmonology

• Allergy

• Neurology

• Cardiology

• Gastroenterology

• Endocrinology

• Nephrology

• Behavioral Health

• Rheumatology

• Urology

• General Surgery

For more information, call 484-658-KIDS (5437) or visit www.sluhn.org/pediatrics.