Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the role of thoracoscopic plication for diaphragmatic eventration after surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) in children.
Patients and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of pediatric patients who had undergone thoracoscopic plication of diaphragmatic eventration after surgery for CHD between 2008 and 2013 at our department.
Results: Five patients were identified during the study period. The median age and body weight of the patients were 7.6 months and 6.6 kg, respectively. The associated CHDs were pulmonary artery atresia in 3 patients, truncus arteriosus in 1 patient, and double-outlet right ventricle in 1 patient. Four patients needed preoperative mechanical respiratory support. At operation, all the patients received CO2 insufflation (4 mm Hg), and single-lung ventilation was attempted in 3 patients using a bronchial blocker. A sufficient operative field was maintained by CO2 insufflation in all the patients regardless of single-lung ventilation. The procedure was not converted to open operation in any patient. Postoperative extubation was performed in the operating room in 1 patient, on the day of operation in 2 patients, and on postoperative Days 1 and 2 in 2 patients. Air embolism was not observed in any of the patients. Diaphragmatic eventration did not recur in any of the patients after thoracoscopic plication.
Conclusions: Thoracoscopic plication is a safe and effective procedure for pediatric diaphragmatic eventration after surgery for CHD. Considering the sufficient operative field maintained by CO2 insufflation, single-lung ventilation using a bronchial blocker would be unnecessary for this procedure. With its safety and good outcome, early thoracoscopic plication is a good treatment option for pediatric patients with symptomatic diaphragmatic eventration after surgery for CHD.