Stapled Diaphragmatic Plication: Is It Better Than Suture Plication?

Diaphragm dysfunction, which can be due to eventration or an abnormally high-positioned diaphragm, can cause respiratory compromise. Eventration is most commonly due to unilateral diaphragm paralysis, which reduces ventilatory function in adults by about 25%. Since the 1920s, this condition has been treated with diaphragm plication, which itself has evolved to include the use of several different techniques and materials. This review explores the relevant literature on diaphragm plication using sutures or staples for the treatment of eventration to determine if either provides a clinical benefit over the other.