[Plication for Diaphragmatic Eventration by Complete Video-assisted Thoracoscopic]

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Pulmonology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Progressive dyspnea on exertion is a debilitating symptom.
• Elevation of the diaphragm can lead to lung atelectasis and respiratory compromise.
• Diaphragmatic eventration is a rare condition involving abnormal elevation of the diaphragm.

Observation:

• A 61-year-old female patient presented with worsening dyspnea on exertion.
• Diagnostic imaging, including chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT), revealed left-sided diaphragmatic elevation and left lung atelectasis.

Findings:

• The patient underwent surgical eventration of the diaphragm.
• The procedure involved plication of the redundant diaphragm using vertical mattress sutures and reinforcement by suturing the remnant diaphragm to the chest wall area.
• Thoracoscopic examination ensured intraoperative safety and prevented damage to abdominal organs.

Implications:

• Diaphragmatic plication is an effective treatment for symptomatic diaphragmatic eventration.
• The surgical intervention successfully resolved the patient's dyspnea on exertion.
• This case highlights the successful management of diaphragmatic eventration through minimally invasive thoracic surgery, leading to improved respiratory function and patient recovery.