Influences of Posterior Pericardiotomy in Early and Late Postoperative Effusion of Pericardium

Background:Pericardial effusion resulting in cardiac tamponade is uncommon after open heart surgery and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Methods: In a clinical randomized trial 80 patients that have undergone CABG, were divided in two groups, posterior pericardectomy group and control group. Both groups were evaluated after operation by TEE and clinical parameters for early and late post- operative pericardial effusion. Results: In this study 45% of control group and 5% in study group developed postop- erative pericardial effusion, also the incidence of late pericardial effusion was 10% in study group and 57% in control group. Age, Gender, Smoking, Diabetes Mellitus and the Number of grafts didn’t have any effect on the incidence of pericardial effusion. Conclusion: Posterior pericardiotomy as a safe and simple procedure can significantly reduce the incidence of early and late pericardial effusion.