Long-Term Patient-Reported Symptom Improvement and Quality of Life after Transthoracic Diaphragm Plication in Adults.

Background: Open and robotic-assisted transthoracic approaches for diaphragm plication are accepted surgical interventions for diaphragm paralysis and eventration. However, long-term patient-reported symptom improvement and quality of life (QOL) remains unclear.

Study Design: A telephone-based survey was developed focusing on postoperative symptom improvement and QOL.

Management of Severe Asthma Beyond the Guidelines.

Purpose Of Review: Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases worldwide, yet only a small percentage of patients are categorized as having severe disease. Severe asthmatics, however, are responsible for the largest burden of healthcare costs and lost productivity. Several recent guidelines have addressed disease pathogenesis and treatment modalities for these complex patients.