Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis after congenital heart surgery

Abstract

Diaphragmatic paralysis following congenital cardiac surgery is a serious complication which may involve unilaterally or exceptionally bilaterally, delaying the recovery and increasing morbidity. The consequences of this complication after all forms of congenital heart surgery in newborns and young infants can be potentially more serious. Early diagnosis and management of diaphragmatic paralysis can potentially reduce complications, decreasing the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the intensive care unit. In this article, we discuss surgical treatment of three cases with bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis after congenital cardiac surgery.