Transient hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis following neck surgery: report of acase and review of the literature

Diaphragmatic paresis following trauma to the phrenic nerves is a rare comp lication after neck surgery. The resulting elevation of the ipsilateral hem i-diaphragm is diagnosed on post-operative chest radiography and may be con firmed by ultrasound or fluoroscopy, When unilateral, this may lead to resp iratory, cardiac or gastrointestinal symptoms and atelectasis and pulmonary infiltrates on radiography, If nerve damage is bilateral a period of venti lation may be required.