Thoracoscopic Approach to Eventration of the Diaphragm

Diaphragmatic eventration is an abnormal elevation of the hemidiaphragm. The congenital form is very rare, occurring in less than 0.05 % of live births. Acquired forms are most commonly due to phrenic nerve injury, birth trauma, or surgery. Symptoms, when present, include respiratory distress, recurrent pulmonary infections, and nonspecific gastrointestinal complaints. Symptomatic respiratory insufficiency requires surgical intervention. Thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication is the preferred method of repair, with an excellent result and very low recurrence rate.