Diaphragm plication

What is a Diaphragm plication?

Are there any restrictions in terms of being a candidate for this surgery? I have been told that my Mom is too old for it. She is 70.

[National Jewish Health]

Diaphragmatic plication is a surgical procedure, performed in children and adults with diaphragm paralysis, to decrease shortness of breath and increase exercise tolerance.  It is major surgery but less so since the introduction of video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).  Age alone is not a contraindication.  More important would be your Mom's general health and her predicted life expectancy.  The determination of whether she is or should not be a candidate for this surgery would best be made by both the surgeons who would perform the surgery and by a lung specialist, called a pulmonologist.  Together they would weigh the risk of surgery against the anticipated benefit.

The surgery should be done by surgeons with much experience with this procedure.  One such person is Richard Freeman, MD at 8433 Harcourt Rd, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46260.  You could address your question to Richard Freeman MD.  He might be able to recommend an experienced surgeon, closer to your Mom's home town.