Phrenoplasty [Diaphragmatic Thoracoplasty]: Report of 5 Cases

횡격막 성형술: 5례 보고

Since the turn of the century there has been a constant search for a satisfactory method of controlling a large intrathoracic space following lobectomy. Primarily these methods consist of thoracoplasty, plombage, and phrenic nerve paralysis which are not completely satisfactory for they may result in loss of chest wall motility or diaphragmatic function. Incising the diaphragm at its periphery and resuturing to the chest wall at a level several rib spaces higher is an effective method of reducing intrathoracic space with minimal interference with pulmonary function. It is of particular value when the anticipated space problem is in the lower part of the thoracic cavity. Five cases are presented in which the diaphragm was peripherally detached and advanced to higher levels. Two cases were following lower lobectomy and three cases were following decortication for chronic empyema in which expansion was not good enough to adequately fill the space. Results in these cases were satisfactory.