Diaphragmatic Eventration After COVID-19 Disease: Evaluation of Plication via VATS and Changes in Respiratory Functions

ABSTRACT Objective: Diaphragmatic eventration after COVID-19 infection is a rare condition that can seriously and adversely affect respiratory functions and requires surgical intervention. This research aimed to elucidate whether VATS diaphragm plication is an effective treatment option for improving pulmonary functions in patients with diaphragmatic eventration developed secondary to COVID-19. Method: This prospective research enrolled 54 patients who underwent diaphragm plication via VATS procedure. demographic and anthropometric measurements such as weight, age, and BMI were recorded before and after surgery. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function tests (PFTs). These tests included standard pulmonary function tests such as spirometry, peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). An experienced respiratory physiotherapist performed the tests. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the patients' preoperative FEV1 measurement and postoperative FEV1 measurement (p <0.05). The FEV1 value of the patients increased in the postoperative period. Postoperative pulmonary function tests showed a significant improvement in all patients. FEV1 values of all patients increased postoperatively by an average of 23% (p <0.05). Similarly, significant improvements were observed in other pulmonary function parameters. Conclusion: VATS diaphragm plication may be an effective treatment option in improving pulmonary functions and alleviating clinical symptoms in patients with diaphragmatic eventration developed after the COVID-19 infection. Keywords: Diaphragm Plication, Diaphragm Eventration, Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS), COVID-19, Pulmonary Functions.