A New Treatment Method for Brachial Plexus Injury using Thoracoscopy Assisted Phrenic Nerve Harvesting |
Sang Soo Kim, Dae Ho Ha, Seung Suk Choi, Jong Bum Choi, Jae Myung Kim |
흉강경하 횡격막 신경 획득술을 이용한 상완 신경총 손상의 새로운 치료법 |
김상수, 하대호, 최승석, 최종범, 김재명 |
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Abstract |
Introduction : A new thoracoscopically assisted technique was developed for harvesting a long enough phrenic nerve. We report of the clinical application of this new technique and its functional outcome. Materials and Method :We studied 15 patients that were operated by thoracoscopically assisted phrenic nerve direct transfer, with a postoperative follow-up of at least 1 year. The distal end of the phrenic nerve was sutured directly to the musculocutaneous nerve. The clinical results were analyzed according to the British Medical Research Council Grading System. Results : Two patients gained M4 power, 6 had M3, 5 recovered M2 power, 1 showed M1 recovery. average recovery time to M3 was 8.5 months. One patient showed unilateral diaphragm elevation at one year follow-up as evaluated by chest x-ray. Pulmonary function test showed no change at one year follow-up in none of the patients. Conclusion : The authors recommend the use of this new method in the treatment of brachial plexus injury. |
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