Diaphragmatic paralysis post COVID-19 treated with robot-assisted plication reinforced with acellular dermal matrix: a report of two cases

Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2022 Nov 2;93(3). doi: 10.4081/monaldi.2022.2367.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to be a disease of global importance, with an increasing array of sequelae attributed to infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. One such complication that has been rarely documented thus far is diaphragmatic dysfunction. Here, we report the cases of 2 individuals who developed diaphragmatic paralysis post COVID-19, which failed to respond to conservative management. Both patients proceeded to undergo robot-assisted thoracoscopic plication of the diaphragm reinforced with a bovine acellular dermal matrix. In both cases, there was significant improvement in symptomatology, namely dyspnoea and fatigue. We conclude that robot-assisted diaphragmatic plication should be considered for the treatment of refractory diaphragmatic paralysis post COVID-19.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acellular Dermis*
  • Animals
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Cattle
  • Diaphragm / surgery
  • Humans
  • Respiratory Paralysis* / complications
  • Respiratory Paralysis* / surgery
  • Robotics*