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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Dyspnea and Phrenic Nerve Palsy (PNP)
Answered by
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Dyspnea and Phrenic Nerve Palsy (PNP)
by happy feet, Jul 12, 2007 12:00AM
I was just advised that due to a catheter mishap, my right phrenic nerve is now paralyzed (PNP). Due to this paralysis my right hemidiaphragm is now elevated, and severely degrading my breathing under any form of exertion.
Can this condition be fixed/resolved? If so, what medical options do I have to fix this condition?
Can this condition be fixed/resolved? If so, what medical options do I have to fix this condition?
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jul 13, 2007 12:00AM
, Jul 13, 2007 12:00AM
Spontaneous recovery of at least partial phrenic nerve function is not uncommon and this may take place over a period of 3 to 12 months. Recovery depends, in large part, on the cause and severity of nerve damage. If spontaneous recovery does not occur, you have three options:
1) live with it as, over time, compensatory breathing mechanisms may occur and ease the sensation of shortness of breath with exertion,
2) seek consultation with an experienced pulmonologist to determine if you might be a candidate for electrical diaphragmatic pacing, and
3) ask that same consultant if a surgical procedure, call diaphragmatic plication might be an option for you.
1) live with it as, over time, compensatory breathing mechanisms may occur and ease the sensation of shortness of breath with exertion,
2) seek consultation with an experienced pulmonologist to determine if you might be a candidate for electrical diaphragmatic pacing, and
3) ask that same consultant if a surgical procedure, call diaphragmatic plication might be an option for you.
I read an article that physicians in Germany had performed laparoscopic diaphragmatic plication successfully.
During surgery the dome of the diaphragm was pulled down via three retention stitches inserted laparoscopically. This resulted in 3 or 3 folds of the diaphragm and these folkds were tightened using 15 unresorbable sutures with prepared knots.
Is this the procedure called diaphragmatic plication?