Safety and feasibility of thoracoscopic pericardial window in recurrent pericardial effusion – A single-centre experience

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to report the surgical outcomes and also evaluating the safety and feasibility of thoracoscopic pericardial window (PW) for recurrent pericardial effusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of eight cases of recurrent pericardial effusion, managed by thoracoscopic method in a tertiary-level thoracic surgery centre over 5 years. A detailed analysis of all perioperative variables, including complications, was carried out. RESULTS: A total of eight patients underwent thoracoscopic PW during the study period. Males (87.5%) were predominant in the cohort. The median age was 54 years (range: 28-78 years). The median duration of symptoms was 2 months (range: 1-3 months). Tuberculosis (50%), malignancy (37.5%) and chronic kidney disease (12.5%) were the causes of recurrent effusion. All patients underwent thoracoscopic procedure with no conversions. The median operative time was 45 min (range: 40-70 min). The median effusion volume drained was 500 ± 100 ml. The median hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2-4 days) with no post-procedural complications. All the patients had complete resolution of symptoms. No recurrence was noted in the median follow-up period of 28 months (range: 6-60 months). CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic PW is a safe and feasible minimally invasive option in the management of recurrent pericardial effusion in selected patients. Surgical fitness, haemodynamic status and estimated survival (in malignant effusion) should be considered before the procedure.