Bilateral phrenic-nerve paralysis treated by thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication in a neonate

Traditionally, diaphragmatic plication (DP) is performed via a thoracotomy that includes incision of the lower intercostal muscles, which are involved in respiratory movement. This may adversely affect ventilation by causing deterioration of respiratory function and making ventilation less efficient. These problems do not occur with thoracoscopic DP (TDP), since the lower intercostal muscles are left intact. We describe a full-term newborn infant with bilateral phrenic-nerve paralysis (PNP) who was treated by TDP and conclude that this method may be effective in the treatment of PNP even in small infants.