Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction for Effective Surgical Treatment of Diaphragmatic Paralysis

Diaphragmatic paralysis due to phrenic nerve injury may cause orthopnea, exertional dyspnea, and sleep-disordered breathing. Phrenic nerve reconstruction may relieve symptoms and improve respiratory function. A retrospective review of 400 consecutive patients undergoing phrenic nerve reconstruction for diaphragmatic paralysis at 2 tertiary treatment centers was performed between 2007 and 2019. Symptomatic patients were identified, and the diagnosis was confirmed on radiographic evaluations. Assessment parameters included pulmonary spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 second and FVC), maximal inspiratory pressure, compound muscle action potentials, diaphragm thickness, chest fluoroscopy, and Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) survey. There were 81 females and 319 males with an average age of 54 years (range, 19–79 years). The mean duration from diagnosis to surgery was 29 months (range, 1–320 months). The most common etiologies were acute or chronic injury (29%), interscalene nerve block (17%), and cardiothoracic surgery (15%). The mean improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and FVC at 1 year were 10% ( P < 0.01) and 8% ( P < 0.05), respectively. At 2-year follow-up, the corresponding values were 22% ( P < 0.05) and 18% ( P < 0.05), respectively. Improvement on chest fluoroscopy was demonstrated in 63% and 71% of patients at 1 and 2-year follow-up, respectively. There was a 20% ( P < 0.01) improvement in maximal inspiratory pressure, and compound muscle action potentials increased by 82% ( P < 0.001). Diaphragm thickness demonstrated a 27% ( P < 0.01) increase, and SF-36 revealed a 59% ( P < 0.001) improvement in physical functioning. Symptomatic diaphragmatic paralysis should be considered for surgical treatment. Phrenic nerve reconstruction can achieve symptomatic relief and improve respiratory function. Increasing spirometry and improvements on Sniff from 1 to 2 years support incremental recovery with longer follow-up.