Pericardiectomy
Pericardiectomy, also known as pericardial stripping, is a surgical procedure carried out to remove a portion, or all, of the pericardium. The pericardium is a thin, fluid-filled double-walled membrane sac that envelopes and protects the heart. The fluid ensures the lubrication of the heart during its normal pumping movements within the pericardium and prevents friction […] Read More
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Pericardiectomy
How is a pericardiectomy procedure carried out?
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Preparing for a pericardiectomy procedure
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During the pericardiectomy procedure
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After the pericardiectomy procedure
Risks and complications
The pericardiectomy procedure is major cardiac surgery. Therefore, just like other surgeries, there are complications associated with the pericardiectomy procedure. These pericardiectomy side effects may include:- Damage to the pleural cavities around the lungs, which can lead to either pneumonia or pleural effusion.
- Death, sometimes.
- Blood clots, which is likely to lead to stroke and other problems
- Complications may also occur from the anesthesia given
- Cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), which may also lead to death in rare instances
- Low risk of hemorrhage, if perforation of the heart occurs whilst removing the pericardium.
- Severe bleeding, which may give rise to the need for a blood transfusion
- Cardiopulmonary bypass (this is, bypass of blood around a blocked vessel) may be required during the procedure.
- Heart attack
- Low cardiac output syndrome, that is, there is not enough oxygen getting out to the body
- Infection
- Damage to the heart muscle
FAQ
What is the pericardiectomy survival rate?
Outcomes of a pericardiectomy procedure depend significantly on the underlying cause, and the functionality of the kidneys, left ventricle, and pulmonary arteries.
Pericardiectomy survival rate from a pericardiectomy procedure carried out pericardial effusion is typically very good.
However, a pericardiectomy procedure carried out for the treatment of constrictive pericarditis has a fairly high mortality rate of between 5% and 15%. There is also an 80% 5-year survival rate. The most common pericardiectomy side effect is a reduced cardiac output, this occurs in 14% to 28% of patients.
Pericardiectomy side effects on Life Span
Pericardiectomy surgery may either improve prognosis or just alleviate symptoms. This all depends on the progression of the mesothelioma
For those whose cancer has already spread beyond the initial site, a pericardiectomy surgery has little effect on their life span
For those with less progressed forms of cancer, a pericardiectomy surgery could yield better results. In a mesothelioma patient, a pericardiectomy surgery was followed by a chemotherapy regimen. This combination laid cancer into remission and the patient remained free of it at a three-year follow-up.
How long does recovery from pericardiectomy surgery take?
Recovery from a pericardiectomy surgery is quite a long process. It requires a 1 to 2 weeks hospital stay post-surgery. Full recovery from a pericardiectomy surgery typically takes six to eight weeks. However, patients with severe pericarditis may take longer than eight weeks to fully recover.
Can the heart function normally without a pericardium?
The pericardium is not an essential tool required for the heart to function normally. In those with pericarditis, the pericardium has already has lost its capacity to function, so removing it neither worsens the situation nor causes problems, as long as the patient’s lungs and diaphragm are intact and functions normally.
Besides surgery, what other options are available for treating constrictive pericarditis?
For those with less severe pericardium constriction, there is an option of treatment with anti-inflammatory medications. For advanced cases, surgery is the best option for treatment.
Can a pericardiectomy surgery lead to death?
On very rare occasions, pericardiectomy surgery can lead to death, especially when abnormal heart rhythms occur as pericardiectomy side effects.