HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Abstract Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Personal Folders Download to citation manager Permission Requests Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by de Perrot, M. Articles by Licker, M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by de Perrot, M. Articles by Licker, M.

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 1998;13:206-208
© 1998 Elsevier Science NL

Case report

Early improvement of respiratory function after surgical plication for unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis

^a Clinics of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Geneva, Switzerland
^b Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology/Surgical Intensive Care, University Hospital of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland

Received 16 June 1997; accepted 16 December 1997.

Corresponding author. Tel.: +41 22 3827403; fax: +41 22 3727690.

	Abstract

Top Abstract Introduction Case history Discussion References

 
We reported an unusual case of symptomatic diaphragmatic paralysis in an elderly patient with progressive respiratory-dependent limitation of her daily activities. Surgical plication of the affected hemidiaphragm resulted in early clinical and physiological improvements.

Key Words: Surgery • Diaphragmatic plication • Monitoring: spirometry, capnography • Thorax: diaphragmatic paralysis

	Introduction

Top Abstract Introduction Case history Discussion References

 
Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis resulting from nonmalignant causes is an uncommon and disabling condition in adults. Plication of the paralyzed hemidiaphragm may considerably improve pulmonary functional tests [1] [2]. In this case, beneficial effects were already detected by means of intraoperative respiratory monitoring and were manifested by increased functional pulmonary volumes in the early postoperative period.

	Case history

Top Abstract Introduction Case history Discussion References

 
In October 1996, a 75-year-old woman was admitted in the surgical unit with increasing complaints of dyspnea on exertion over the last year. In 1980, she had a triple bypass coronary surgery but recent cardiac investigations were all negative. In 1990, a raised hemidiaphragm was incidentaly reported on routine chest X-rays but remained non-investigated since the patient was asymptomatic. On admission, decreased breath sounds were heard over the left hemithorax and fluoroscopic examination documented an elevated left hemidiaphragm with paradoxical motion on ‘sniffing’, consistent with phrenic nerve paralysis. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1-s (FEV₁) were markedly decreased (48 and 38% of predicted values, respectively), with no improvement after inhalation of a ß₂-adrenergic agonist.

The decision to proceed to surgical plication was made by considering that, the patient’s quality of life was severely limited as a result of a restrictive pulmonary pattern most likely attributed to left diaphragmatic paralysis.

A left double-lumen tube was positioned in the left bronchus and perioperative analgesia was conducted with a thoracic epidural catheter. An in-line respiratory monitor (AS3 Datex Instrum. Corp. Helsinki, Finland) was used for continuous measurements of airway pressure, end expiratory CO₂ concentration (P_ETCO₂), as well as breath-by-breath calculation of respiratory dynamic compliance.

A left posterolateral thoracotomy was performed and on examination, the hemidiaphragm appeared flaccid, atrophic and devoid of muscular fibres. The remaining fibrotic hemidiaphragm was plicated by folding its lateral and posterior portions with a series of ten pledgeted 1-0 nonabsorbable sutures until it was tense to palpation. The plicated segment was then oversewn with a continuous monofilament suture. After re-expansion of the collapsed lung, respiratory compliance improved dramatically (36 vs. 26 ml/cm H₂0 before surgical incision) and was accompanied by higher PaO₂/FIO₂ ratio (79.3 vs. 64.7 kPa before surgical incision) and smaller arterial-to-end expiratory CO₂ gradient.

The patient was extubated in the operating room and the chest roentgenogram taken 2 h postoperatively, showed the left hemidiaphragm in a near normal position. As early as 4 h after the end of surgery, spirometric data recovered baseline values and improved thereafter. Within 6 weeks postoperatively, the patient had recovered the ability to perform her daily activities, FVC and FEV₁ were increased by 33 and 47%, while arterial PO₂ on room air increased from 8.8 to 9.7 kPa (Table 1). After 1 year follow-up, the patient is still doing well and no deterioration have been observed.

	Discussion

Top Abstract Introduction Case history Discussion References

In adults, unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis is either idiopathic or related to neoplastic infiltration, viral or bacterial infection, or trauma [1] [3]. In this case, chest X-rays was unremarkable before cardiac operation, whereas, a raised hemidiaphragm was noted 7 years postoperatively. After open heart surgery, an elevated hemidiaphragm is encountered in about 25% and may be related to the use of ice/slush topical hypothermia, pleural effusion, operative trauma or jugular cannulation [4]. Unilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction does not dramatically compromise ventilation in patients with normal lung function and it usually recovers within 1–18 months [5]. In 1994, Glassman et al. [6] reported the first case of successful plication for diaphragmatic paralysis and subsequent acute respiratory failure following coronary artery bypass surgery. In the present case, an ‘asymptomatic’ raised hemidiaphragm was documented following cardiac surgery and the delayed onset of respiratory symptoms was likely explained by an age-dependent decrease in pulmonary reserve capacity.

Some beneficial physiological changes were already detected intraoperatively by continuous spirometry and capnometry. Re-expansion of the left lung following diaphragmatic plication was accompanied by a significant increase in dynamic compliance of the left lung and of the whole respiratory system, as well as by a decrease in arterial-to-end expiratory CO₂ gradient that likely reflected improved ventilation/perfusion matching and greater functional respiratory volumes.

As early as 4 h after thoracotomy, FVC and FEV₁ recovered preoperative values and gradually increased thereafter. Epidural analgesia could hasten the onset of physiological improvements by alleviating pain and suppressing the inhibitory reflexes acting on the right diaphragm [7]. Long term improvements are better explained by structural and physiological reconfiguration of the thoracic cavity and may persist for as long as 10 years after operation [3]. First, enlargement of the hemithorax by fixing the paralyzed hemidiaphragm in a lower position produces greater functional residual capacity. Second, as the intercostal and accessory muscles operate in series with the diaphragm [8], plication of the noncontractile hemidiaphragm attenuates its lengthening during contraction of the other inspiratory muscles. Third, a change in the configuration and position of the left hemidiaphragm allows better recruitment of the ipsilateral inspiratory muscles and the contralateral hemidiaphragm [9]. In agreement with these hypotheses, a significant increase in maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure and greater changes in gastric and esophageal pressures have been observed after plication that are consistent with an improved ability of contractile inspiratory muscles to act as pressure generators [8].

In conclusion, diaphragmatic plication should be considered in adults suffering from immediate or delayed respiratory insufficiency following cardiac surgery. Early physiological improvements induced by surgical plication can be detected intraoperatively with in line respiratory monitor and are manifested postoperatively by greater functional lung volumes and better exercise capacity.

	References

Top Abstract Introduction Case history Discussion References

 

1. Wright CD, Ogielvie CM, Donnelly RJ. Results of diaphragmatic plication for unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1985;90:195-198.[Abstract]
2. Ribet M, Linder JL. Plication of the diaphragm for unilateral eventration or paralysis. Eur J Cardio-thorac Surg 1992;6:357-360.[Abstract]
3. Graham DR, Kaplan D, Evans CC, Hind CRK, Donnelly RJ. Diaphragmatic plication for unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis: a 10-year experience. Ann Thorac Surg 1990;49:248-252.[Abstract]
4. Curtis JJ, Nawarawong W, Walls JT. Elevated hemidiaphragm after cardiac operations: incidence prognosis and relationship to the use of topical ice slush. Ann Thorac Surg 1989;48:764-768.[Abstract]
5. Estenne M, Yernault J, De Smet J, De Troyer A. Phrenic and diaphragmatic function after coronary artery bypass. Thorax 1985;40:293-299.[Abstract]
6. Glassman LR, Spencer FC, Bauman FG, Adams FV, Colvin SB. Successful plication for postoperative diaphragmatic paralysis in an adult. Ann Thorac Surg 1994;58:1754-1755.[Abstract]
7. Panssard JL, Mankikian B, Bertrand M, Kieffer E, Clergue F, Viars P. Effects of the extradural block on diaphragmatic electrical activity and contractility after upper abdominal surgery. Anesthesiology 1993;78:63-71.[Medline]
8. Ward ME, Ward JW, Macklem PT. Analysis of human chest wall motion using a two-compartment rib cage model. J Appl Physiol 1992;72:1338-1347.[Abstract/Free Full Text]
9. Ciccolella DE, Daly BDT, Celli BR. Improved diaphragmatic function after surgical plication for unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. Am Rev Resp Dis 1992;146:797-799.[Medline]

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. A. Bockeria, A. Kim, D. Ryabtsev, and T. Grygoryants ICVTS on-line discussion A Diaphragmatic plication as a complication in cardiac surgery Interactive CardioVascular and Thoracic Surgery, June 1, 2007; 6(3): 282 - 282. [Full Text] [PDF]

				A. Di Giorgio, C. L. Cardini, P. Sammartino, S. Sibio, and E. Naticchioni Dual-layer sandwich mesh repair in the treatment of major diaphragmatic eventration in an adult J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg., July 1, 2006; 132(1): 187 - 189. [Full Text] [PDF]

This Article Abstract Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Personal Folders Download to citation manager Permission Requests Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by de Perrot, M. Articles by Licker, M. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by de Perrot, M. Articles by Licker, M.