Laparoscopic pericardio-peritoneal window: an alternative approach in the treatment of recurrent pericardial effusion, in-hospital evolution and survival.
BACKGROUND
Although cardiac tamponade due to pericardial effusion is not frequently seen it may, in many cases require surgical drainage. The aim of this study is to show our experience with a laparoscopic approach to perform the pericardio-peritoneal window in the management of recurrent pericardial effusion.


METHODS
We included 16 patients with recurrent pericardial effusion and echocardiographic global tamponade. A pneumoperitoneum was made and 3 trocars were placed; an avascular area of the diaphragm was chosen and a pericardial window was made (4 cm diameter).


RESULTS
Pericardial-peritoneal window was carried out successfully (mean operative time 40 min). All patients presented relief of symptoms. The mean follow-up was 729 days. No patient experienced recurrence on repeated ecocardiographic examinations. There were no fatal events related to the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic pericardial window is a simple, safe, and effective alternative for the treatment of recurrent pericardial effusion with global cardiac tamponade.
Staltari
Daniel
D
Division of Trauma and Thorax, Hospital Privado de Comunidad, Mar del Plata, Argentina. hpcstaltari@hotmail.com
Diaz
Alejandro
A
Capellino
Pablo
P
Benavides
Flavio
F
Ramos
Raul
R
Pierini
Leandro
L
Morales
Ivana
I
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D010496:Pericardium / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000473:pathology; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome