Diaphragmatic plication for iatrogenic respiratory insufficiency after cardiothoracic surgery

[Quality of life in patients with postoperative unilateral diaphragm relaxation]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the quality of life before and after video-assisted thoracoscopic plication of relaxed dome of diaphragm.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 17 patients operated on for unilateral relaxation of diaphragm. We analyzed quality of life in preoperative period, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery using the SF-36 and EuroQ-5D-5L questionnaires. To assess the impact of abnormality on respiratory function, we estimated diaphragm position, spirometry data and SGRQ scores.

RESULTS

FVC increased by 16.5% after 1 month, 19.5% after 6 months and 20.1% after 12 months. In addition, FEV1 significantly increased (by 12.6% after 1 month, 10.1% after 6 months and 12.7% after 12 months). Mean values of diaphragm elevation in postoperative period decreased by 25.5-25.6%. According to the SF-36 and EuroQ-5D-5L questionnaires, physical and psychological health components significantly increased within a month after surgical treatment. According to the SGRQ questionnaire, influence of disease on overall status decreased a month after surgery as evidences by lower total score (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Objective and survey data revealed significant improvement in quality of life after surgery. A trend towards higher quality of life was demonstrated by all questionnaires in a month after surgery.

Minimally Invasive Diaphragm Plication for Acquired Unilateral Diaphragm Paralysis: A Systematic Review

Objective: Diaphragm paralysis is a relatively uncommon entity that can be both congenital and acquired in nature. While commonly asymptomatic, it can also cause a significant decrease in pulmonary function and reserve, particularly in patients with underlying pulmonary diseases. Our aim was to summarize the current literature regarding the minimally invasive techniques used in the surgical correction of acquired diaphragm paralysis via traditional and robotic minimally invasive approaches. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of available literature using the Cochrane methodology and reported findings according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. Results: A total of 6,561 citations were identified through initial database and reference searches, of which 90 articles met the inclusion criteria for review. After further assessment, 33 appropriate full-text studies were selected for the review. Of the selected publications, the majority represented case reports and single-center retrospective studies with level of evidence 4. Only 1 level 2b study (individual cohort study) was identified, comparing minimally invasive and open approaches. Conclusions: Each of the minimally invasive approaches has its unique benefits and disadvantages, which are summarized and delineated in this article. Ultimately, no preferred method of diaphragm plication for diaphragm paralysis can be recommended at this time based on clinical data. The choice of procedure and surgical approach continues to be selected based on the surgeon's experience and preference.

Successful treatment of phrenic nerve injury with diaphragmatic plication 5 years after onset: A case report

Diaphragmatic paralysis due to phrenic nerve injury is an occasional complication of cardiothoracic surgery. Although diaphragmatic plication is widely used to treat patients with severe irreversible symptoms, its surgical indication and timing remain controversial. Here, we present a rare case of diaphragmatic paralysis in a 65-year-old woman who underwent cardiac surgery and whose respiratory symptoms worsened despite >5 years of conservative management. Consequently, she underwent diaphragmatic plication using an endostapler to resect the redundant diaphragm, followed by over-suturing of all staple lines. She was discharged without any complications and her symptoms and chest radiography and spirometry results improved postoperatively.

Functional evaluation of the diaphragm with a noninvasive test

Cardiac surgery with median sternotomy causes iatrogenic damage to the function of the diaphragm muscle that is both temporary and permanent. Myocardial infarction itself causes diaphragmatic genetic alterations, which lead the muscle to nonphysiological adaptation. The respiratory muscle area plays several roles in maintaining both physical and mental health, as well as in maximizing recovery after a cardiac event. The evaluation of the diaphragm is a fundamental step in the therapeutic process, including the use of instruments such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed axial tomography (CT). This article reviews the neurophysiological relationships of the diaphragm muscle and the symptoms of diaphragmatic contractile dysfunction. The authors discuss a scientific basis for the use of a new noninstrumental diaphragmatic test in the hope of stimulating research.

Noninvasive ventilation: An important option in the management of hemidiaphragm paralysis

Hemidiaphragm paralysis (HP) is a potential complication of cardiac surgery. While most patients are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, some are at risk of developing life-threatening hypercapnia. We present a case of a patient who developed HP after tricuspid valve replacement. Diaphragm plication was deferred due to underlying comorbidities, but over time she developed severe hypercapnic respiratory failure requiring intensive care unit admission. Chronic noninvasive ventilation therapy (NIV) was initiated, which improved her symptoms and hypercapnia and prevented further hospitalizations. For patients with iatrogenic HP unable to undergo diaphragm plication, Pulmonology referral for initiation of NIV should be strongly considered.