Pericardiectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of part or all of the pericardium, the protective sac surrounding the heart. This is most commonly performed in patients suffering from constrictive pericarditis, a condition where the pericardium becomes thickened and restricts heart function. It may also be indicated in recurrent pericardial effusion, tuberculosis-related pericarditis, or in rare cases, pericardial tumors. By removing the diseased pericardium, the surgery restores normal heart filling and function, significantly reducing symptoms like breathlessness, swelling, and fatigue. It is a major but effective procedure, offering long-term relief and improved cardiac performance.
| Target Conditions | Constrictive pericarditis, recurrent pericardial effusion, TB pericarditis |
| Alternatives | Medical management (temporary or ineffective in severe cases) |
| Risk Factors | Bleeding, arrhythmias, infection, incomplete symptom relief |
| Follow-up Care | Cardiac rehab, regular echo follow-ups |
| Ideal For | Patients with pericardial constriction not responding to medical treatment |
| Success Rate | 90–95% |
| Approach | Median sternotomy or thoracotomy |
| Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Recovery Time | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Hospital Stay | 5 to 7 days |
| Duration | 3 to 5 hours |