Description

Gopaldas et al identified risk factors for complications following pericardiectomy. This operative procedure can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The authors are from the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Houston.


 

Patient selection: pericardiectomy

 

Type of pericardial disease requiring pericardiectomy:

(1) calcific pericarditis

(2) acute pericarditis

(3) metastatic cancer

(4) constrictive pericarditis

(5) adhesive pericarditis

(6) other pericardial disorders

 

Risk factors for complications:

(1) older age

(2) female gender

(3) high comorbidity

(4) pericardial diagnosis (see below)

(5) more complex surgery (requiring cardiopulmonary bypass) vs thoracoscopy

 

Calcific pericarditis was associated with a low rate of complications. Constrictive and adhesive pericarditis were associated with the high rate of complications.

 


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