Uniportal thoracoscopic plication of diaphragmatic eventration: loop needle technique for better visualization.

Abstract

Symptomatic unilateral diaphragmatic eventration require surgical intervention. A 56-year-old woman complained of dyspnoea on exertion and was noted to have left diaphragm elevation on chest radiographs. Dynamic magnetic resonance imaging showed paradoxical movement of the left diaphragm. We performed diaphragmatic plication by uniportal thoracoscopy with knifeless endostaplers and a loop needle device. Her symptoms significantly improved immediately after the operation, and this condition had been maintained for 6 months. We thus suggest this minimally invasive technique as an easy and safe method for diaphragmatic plication.