LAPAROSCOPIC REPAIR OF DIAPHRAGM EVENTRATION

Contributors: Oliver B. Lao, MD, MPH

We demonstrate the use of an endostapler in a minimally invasive eventration repair in a pediatric patient. In contradiction to most other reported repairs, we approach the repair in a minimally invasive fashion through the abdomen. We invert the redundant diaphragm downward for our plication given this approach. We feel that this allows for better visualization of the intra-abdominal organs, avoids the pain and thoracostomy tube associated with a thoracoscopic procedure and gives a much more reliable and reproducible result. In addition the procedure can be done, on average, in less than 30 minutes, and it can be done as an outpatient procedure.