Contemporary outcomes after pericardial window surgery: impact of operative technique.
BACKGROUND
The optimal window procedure for drainage of a large pericardial effusion has yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes associated with the subxiphoid and thoracotomy pericardial window techniques, with a focus on perioperative pain and effusion recurrence rates.


METHODS
A retrospective single-center observational study of all pericardial window operations was performed, with the incision based on surgeon preference. Perioperative data was recorded including time to extubation, narcotic requirements, and the development of a recurrent pericardial effusion.


RESULTS
From 2002 to 2015, 179 patients with a large pericardial effusion underwent either a subxiphoid (n = 127) or left anterior mini-thoracotomy (n = 52) pericardial window procedure. Patients (mean age 73.2 years, 56 % female) had a high incidence of previous malignancy (49 %), chronic anticoagulation (34 %), recent infection (26 %), or renal failure (18 %). Cardiac tamponade was present in 50 %, and 12 % had undergone previous pericardiocentesis. Comparing the two techniques, there was no difference in the amount of fluid drained or in the perioperative mortality rate. Postoperatively, patients who had the subxiphoid approach required less time before extubation (P = 0.002) and needed less narcotics within 48 h after surgery (P = 0.0001) compared to thoracotomy patients. However, patients treated with the subxiphoid technique more often developed recurrent moderate or large pericardial effusions (P = 0.02), and there was a trend towards more repeat operations needed (P = 0.15).


CONCLUSIONS
Pericardial window surgery via a subxiphoid incision is associated with less postoperative pain and faster time to extubation. However, the thoracotomy approach may be more effective at preventing effusion recurrence and the need for repeat surgery.
Lynn Heart and Vascular Institute, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, and Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA.
Sarah E
SE
Langdon
Lynn Heart and Vascular Institute, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, and Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA.
Kristen
K
Seery
Lynn Heart and Vascular Institute, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, and Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida, USA. alex_kulik@yahoo.com.
Alexander
A
Kulik
D000368:Aged; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000401:mortality* / Q000601:surgery; D010491:Pericardial Window Techniques; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Pain; Pericardial effusion; Pericarditis; Recurrence