[Constrictive pericarditis--do we need a complete decortication?].

Abstract

Pericardectomy is an established method for the treatment of various diseases, especially of constrictive pericarditis. Between 1969 and 1991, 212 cases of pericardial diseases were treated surgically. In 72 cases pericardectomy was performed for constrictive pericarditis. Surgical technique and indication for extracorporeal circulation are discussed. Postoperative haemodynamic problems were only seen in cases of preoperative advanced stage myocardial impairment. Extracorporeal circulation is only regarded as necessary in cases of strongly reduced myocardial function or if associated diseases need to be corrected.