Thoracoscopic plication in an infant with eventration of the diaphragm

Abstract

Diaphragmatic eventration is an abnormal elevation of part or the entire hemidiaphragm. It can be congenital or acquired. It occurs in 2 to 7 in 100000 live births and it is more common among boys. Symptomatic eventration is presented with different respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. The diagnosis is based on radiological images. Surgical treatment is indicated for all symptomatic patients. The goal is to strengthen the thin and weak diaphragm by plicating the diaphragm itself. Surgical approaches may differ. We present an eight month old boy with eventration who was diagnosed during prolonged respiratory infection. Our treatment approach was thoracoscopic plication of the diaphragm with good long-term outcome.