A diaphragmatic hernia occurs when abdominal organs enter the chest through an opening in the diaphragm. It’s rare in adults and more common in infants. Regardless of age, a diaphragmatic hernia is a medical emergency and requires surgery by a trained thoracic surgeon who will return the organs to their proper location and repair the diaphragm. Our thoracic surgeons are experts at repairing these hernias by utilizing the robotic-assisted platform, which provides an accelerated recovery to our patients.

A hiatal hernia occurs when there is an opening in the diaphragm that permits the upper portion of the stomach to enter the chest area. Mount Sinai’s thoracic surgery team can repair hiatal hernias. Our thoracic surgeons are experts at repairing these by utilizing the robotic-assisted platform. Together, Dr. Safdie and Dr. Williams have performed one of the largest robotic-assisted repair series for giant paraesophageal hernias in history.

This is a rare condition often seen after cardiac bypass surgery, trauma, neck surgery, or after a viral infection. These patients may show symptoms like shortness of breath during physical exertion, while laying down flat, or while bending over or going to the bathroom. These patients may benefit from and be candidates for a robotic-assisted diaphragmatic plication. During this operation, the diaphragm is brought back to its proper position, allowing the lung to re-expand, so patients can breathe easier and get enough oxygen.

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This occurs when the breastbone is sunken into the chest. The condition ranges in severity. This anatomical defect rarely causes any issues; however, severe cases can affect heart and lung function. In these cases, patients typically undergo surgery immediately after diagnosis to restore healthy breathing or cardiac function. Mount Sinai’s thoracic surgeons repair the chest deformity by raising the recessed area of the chest to a normal level.