January 1, 1987European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
The incidence and significance of early pericardial effusion after open heart surgery
Why the study?
Does the use of posterior as well as anterior chest drains reduce the incidence of early pericardial effusion in patients after open heart surgery?
Population
114 consecutive patients undergoing open heart surgery (70 males, 44 females; mean age 56 +/- 10 years).
Comparison
Insertion of a drainage tube for 24-36 h in the… vs Insertion of only an anterior drain.
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
up to 18 days postoperatively
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
Both drains were associated with fewer early effusions; leaves open whether this warrants routine use or requires randomized confirmation.
Structured PICO
Does the use of posterior as well as anterior chest drains reduce the incidence of early pericardial effusion in patients after open heart surgery?
P
Population
114 consecutive patients undergoing open heart surgery (70 males, 44 females; mean age 56 +/- 10 years).
I
Intervention
Insertion of a drainage tube for 24-36 h in the posterior as well as the anterior mediastinum.
C
Comparator
Insertion of only an anterior drain.
O
Outcome
Presence and severity of postoperative pericardial effusions at 3-5 days assessed echocardiographically.surrogate
Pericardial effusions after open heart surgery are associated with postoperative complications, and their incidence may be reduced by using both posterior and anterior chest drains.
Cite This Study
Angelini et al. (1987) studied this question.