Phrenic Nerve and Diaphragm

Injury to the phrenic nerve or dysfunction of the diaphragm can result in significant breathing difficulties, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Dr. Reza Jarrahy offers expert evaluation and surgical repair for patients suffering from diaphragmatic paralysis or weakness due to phrenic nerve damage. As a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with experience in peripheral nerve surgery, Dr. Jarrahy is uniquely equipped to address these complex functional impairments.

surgical options

  • Phrenic Nerve Decompression or Neurolysis: Releasing pressure from around the nerve to restore its function.

  • Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction or Grafting: Replacing damaged nerve segments with nerve grafts to reconnect the signaling pathway.

  • Diaphragm Plication: Tightening the paralyzed side of the diaphragm to improve breathing mechanics and reduce lung compression.

Surgical Process and Recovery

Surgery is typically performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. Most patients return home within a few days and experience gradual improvements in breathing function over weeks to months. Dr. Jarrahy provides detailed postoperative instructions and closely monitors recovery in collaboration with pulmonary rehabilitation specialists.

  • “Dr. Jarrahy is the most exceptional teacher, mentor and physician I have had in my career.His dedication to his students and patients is unparalleled. He deserves every accolade known to mankind. I cannot endorse him enough. I owe him so much of my career. He enabled me to match into plastic surgery at Stanford and has guided my career like a guardian angel.”

  • “Thank you so much for the excellent care.

    With much gratitude”

  • “Dr. Jarrahy, there are very few people I would consider both personal & professional mentors/role models. I greatly appreciate your guidance in the technical arts of surgery, but maybe even more so, admire your genuine passion for connecting deeply & authentically with others.The value you place on relationships/human connection was clearly evident and I aspire to bring this element to my future endeavors, regardless of the setting. I admire your life priorities & balance, which I think very few in medicine, let alone surgery, do well.”

  • “Dr. Jarrahy is the best!! As a medical student Dr. Jarrahy was my mentor and he cares so much about education and the well-being of his students. Amazing teacher and great person to be around.”

  • “Excellent teacher, takes time to teach residents, allows autonomy to improve surgical education while providing adequate supervision.”