Cardiac tamponade caused by primary lung cancer and the management of pericardial effusion

51 patients with pericardial effusion secondary to lung cancer treated between 1978 and 1990 at the National Cancer Center Hospital. Most had advanced disease (76% distant metastasis, 88% pleural effusion, 98% clinical Stage N2 or N3).

Creation of a pericardial window using the subxiphoid approach, connected to a water-sealed drainage system.

Overall survival and effectiveness of pericardial effusion treatment.hard clinical