Pericardiectomy

Pericardiectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a part or the entire pericardium, the double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the great vessels. This procedure is typically performed to treat constrictive pericarditis, a condition where the pericardium becomes thickened and calcified, preventing the heart from functioning properly.

Indications

Pericardiectomy is primarily indicated for patients with constrictive pericarditis, a condition that can result from various causes such as tuberculosis, radiation therapy, infections, inflammatory disorders, and surgery. It may also be performed in cases of recurrent pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade that do not respond to less invasive treatments.

Procedure

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the chest to access the heart and the pericardium. The pericardium is then carefully separated from the heart and removed. The procedure may involve the removal of a part or the entire pericardium, depending on the extent of the disease.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, pericardiectomy carries certain risks and potential complications. These may include bleeding, infection, arrhythmias, heart attack, and stroke. There is also a risk of damage to the heart or lungs during the procedure.

Postoperative Care

After the procedure, patients are typically monitored in the intensive care unit for a few days. Pain management, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy are important aspects of postoperative care. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks after the surgery.

Prognosis

The prognosis after pericardiectomy largely depends on the underlying cause of the disease, the patient's overall health, and the extent of the disease at the time of surgery. In general, the procedure has a high success rate in relieving symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life.

See Also

• Cardiac surgery
• Pericarditis
• Pericardial effusion
• Cardiac tamponade

References

Pericardiectomy Resources
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