Disorders of the diaphragm

The diaphragm is a large muscle that separates the chest and abdomen and functions in breathing. There are three major disorders of the diaphragm. They include:

  • Eventration (where the diaphragm balloons into the chest)
  • Hiatal hernia or other type of diaphragmatic hernias
  • Phrenic nerve paralysis

These disorders are unusual and somewhat complex. Our thoracic surgeons are experienced in diagnosing and treating diaphragmatic disorders using state-of-the-art surgical techniques.

110 Irving Street, NW · Washington, DC 20010 · MedStar Washington Hospital Center · (202) 877-7000