RT Journal
A1 ZIMBERG YH, WEISEL W
T1 SUrgical anatomy of the diaphragm
JF A.M.A. Archives of Surgery
JO A.M.A. Archives of Surgery
YR 1959
FD September 1
VO 79
IS 3
SP 468
OP 478
DO 10.1001/archsurg.1959.04320090116017
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.1959.04320090116017
AB Introduction 
    The importance of diaphragmatic function and wholeness in relationship to pulmonary and gastrointestinal physiology has been well documented. A "second look" at the structure and action of the diaphragm has been warranted, however, because of recent stress on the surgical aspects of esophageal hiatal hernias and the clinical appearance of pathologic syndromes related to diaphragmatic malfunction following thoracic surgical procedures. A study of the dynamic anatomy of the diaphragm was therefore undertaken, and the results of this investigation with its clinical applications are herein reported.Methods of Study 
    The diaphragm and attached phrenic nerves were studied in situ and in the fresh state after complete excision in 25 postmortem specimens. Photographs and drawings were utilized to record pertinent findings.Observations on diaphragmatic motion were made on eight patients undergoing transthoracic repair of a hiatus hernia after dissection of the hiatus and crura. In addition, two patients were carefully evaluated