Pediatric surgery international
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Pediatr. Surg. Int. · Apr 2006
Diaphragmatic paralysis after cardiac surgery in children: incidence, prognosis and surgical management.
Diaphragmatic paralysis (DP) after cardiac surgery is an important complication especially in infants. We analyzed the incidence, clinical course, surgical management and follow up of the patients with DP, retrospectively. Between 1996 and 2005, 3,071 patients underwent cardiac surgery. ⋯ Spontaneous recovery is very rare. Being under 1 year of age, plication after 10 days from the surgery and pneumonia are major risk factors for mortality even in plicated patients. Transthoracic plication is helpful if performed early.