Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Elevated left hemidiaphragm

After chest cat scans, x-rays, and a sniff test, the thoracic surgeon has diagnosed me with persistent chronic elevation of the left hemidiaphragm.  She is suggesting non-invasive surgery to repair the diaphragm.  I am an active 72 year old woman and experienced shortness of breath while skiing in high elevation and swimming in a lake in NJ.  I want to continue to ski in the West and continue my active lifestyle.

The Dr. does not promise that it will improve my shortness of breath but did say that in time the diaphragm may push up into the lung.

Does anyone have any input?  I want to make an educated decision as to whether I should have this non-invasive surgery done.  Has anyone had this repair done?  What was your recovery time and the results?
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
A related discussion, Left hemidiaphragm was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A related discussion, nodular opacities was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was admitted to surgery for diaphragmatic plication in April, 2006. The standard (highly invasive) procedure was used. Thorascopic surgery was available and would have been less invasive. However, my surgeon explained that the thorascopic procedure would not produce the same results. A trade off was required between risk, discomfort, recovery time and (on the other hand) the expected long range outcome.

The indicated procedure (if any) for a given individual depends on a range of factors. Consultation with your pulmonary specialist and your surgeon is essential for a final judgement as to what is best for you. My comments to dsgksg on September 22 may be of interest. I thought you might like to hear from someone who (at age 64) has, "been there, done that".


  

Helpful - 0
251132 tn?1198078822
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I assume that the surgery being considered is plication of the diaphragm.  The surgery cannot be done non-invasively.  However it can be done relatively non-invasively by video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).  Significant morbidity can be avoided by performing the surgery in this way.  Improving your shortness of breath cannot be guaranteed, but there is a good chance of it.

Most importantly, the surgeon who does the surgery should be experienced in both VATS and plication of the diaphragm.  Before agreeing to surgery it would be important to work with your doctor to be sure there aren
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Respiratory Disorders Forum

Popular Resources
Find out what causes asthma, and how to take control of your symptoms.
Healing home remedies for common ailments
Tricks to help you quit for good.
Is your area one of the dirtiest-air cities in the nation?
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.