Minimally Invasive Plication of the Diaphragm: A Single-Center Prospective Study

Plication of the diaphragm is a life-changing procedure for patients affected by diaphragm paralysis. Traditionally, this procedure is performed through a thoracotomy. Access to the diaphragm via this incision is poor and the indications for surgery are limited to patients who can actually sustain such an invasive approach and associated morbidities. A minimally invasive approach was developed to improve the surgical management of diaphragm paralysis.

Patients underwent minimally invasive diaphragm plication either by video-assisted or robotic surgery through a 3-port technique with CO₂ insufflation. Patients were followed at the routine 6-week clinic and also by telephone consultation 6 to 12 months postoperatively. Data were collected on postoperative complications, postoperative pain or numbness, symptomatic improvement, and change to quality of life following surgery.

Forty-eight patients underwent 49 minimally invasive diaphragm plication. Median postoperative length of hospital stay was 4 days (range: 2 to 34 days) and there were no cases of mortality. Mean reduction in Medical Research Council dyspnea score per patient was 2.2 points (mode: 3 points). Twenty-eight patients (77.8%) reported a significant symptomatic improvement enabling improvements in quality of life, and 97.2% (n = 35) were satisfied with the surgical outcome.

Minimally invasive diaphragm plication is a safe procedure associated with prompt postoperative recovery. It is effective at reducing debilitating dyspnea and improving quality of life.