U Samarakkody1, M Klaassen, B Nye. 1. Department of Paediatric Surgery, Waikato Hospital, Private bag 3200, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/ PURPOSE: Diaphragmatic agenesis (DA) is a distinct clinical entity with poorer survival rate compared with patients with posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia. The large defect in DA is repaired frequently with a synthetic patch in the neonatal period. Well-known, long-term complications include recurrent hernia caused by patch dislodgement, chest wall deformation caused by noncompliant patch, and deteriorating pulmonary function. A reverse latissimus dorsi flap (RLD) allows continued growth of the reconstructed diaphragm with an intact pleuro peritoneal separation. When combined with neuroanastomosis of the phrenic and thoracodorsal nerves it has the potential to function as a native diaphragm. Incorporation of Serratus anterior (SA) muscle enables reconstruction of larger defects. METHODS: Two cases of DA are presented. In each case the primary SILASTIC(R) (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) patch repair failed and was replaced successfully with a RLD flap reconstruction with or without incorporation of SA and neuroanastomosis. RESULTS: Both patients recovered from surgery with minimal morbidity. The reconstructed diaphragm is intact at long-term follow-up. There is marked improvement of growth of the infants, respiratory difficulties, and chest wall deformity. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is recommended in DA when the synthetic patch fails. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
BACKGROUND/ PURPOSE: Diaphragmatic agenesis (DA) is a distinct clinical entity with poorer survival rate compared with patients with posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia. The large defect in DA is repaired frequently with a synthetic patch in the neonatal period. Well-known, long-term complications include recurrent hernia caused by patch dislodgement, chest wall deformation caused by noncompliant patch, and deteriorating pulmonary function. A reverse latissimus dorsi flap (RLD) allows continued growth of the reconstructed diaphragm with an intact pleuro peritoneal separation. When combined with neuroanastomosis of the phrenic and thoracodorsal nerves it has the potential to function as a native diaphragm. Incorporation of Serratus anterior (SA) muscle enables reconstruction of larger defects. METHODS: Two cases of DA are presented. In each case the primary SILASTIC(R) (Dow Corning, Midland, MI) patch repair failed and was replaced successfully with a RLD flap reconstruction with or without incorporation of SA and neuroanastomosis. RESULTS: Both patients recovered from surgery with minimal morbidity. The reconstructed diaphragm is intact at long-term follow-up. There is marked improvement of growth of the infants, respiratory difficulties, and chest wall deformity. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is recommended in DA when the synthetic patch fails. Copyright 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.