title: Pericardial-peritoneal window for chronic exudative pericarditis using a subxiphoidal approach: report of three cases.
abstract: From August 1986 to February 2000, three patients were given a pericardial-peritoneal window using a subxiphoidal approach, for pericardial effusion associated with chronic exudative pericarditis. Complete drainage without recurrence was achieved in two patients with a large pericardial-peritoneal window (4 cm diameter) and effusion recurred in another with a small pericardial-peritoneal window (3cm diameter). No complications were encountered. The pericardial-peritoneal window, approached subxiphoidally, is a simple, safe, and effective procedure and applicable in most patients with non-infectious benign pericardial effusion. We herein describe our techniques, clinical characteristics, and the results for three patients undergoing this treatment.
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Surgery, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa, Otsu, Japan.
authors.forename: Shoji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Watarida
authors.forename: Shoichiro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shiraishi
authors.forename: Keiji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsubayashi
authors.forename: Masato
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Imura
authors.forename: Takao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nishi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D010491:Pericardial Window Techniques; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000601:surgery