Subxiphoidal pericardial ‘window’ in the management of malignant pericardial effusion

Over the last 5 years, 26 cancer patients developed pericardial effusion and were managed surgically with the creation of a subxiphoidal pericardial ‘window’. The operation, in the majority of the cases was performed under local anaesthesia with adequate sedation. It was found to be safe and easy to perform. The operative approach was beneficial to the group of patients without massive involvement by tumour of the thoracic cavity with relief of symptoms. Significant palliation was achieved for the patients with extensive tumour involvement of the mediastinum and thorax, although survival in this group of patients was relatively short.