[Transdiaphragmatic pericardial fenestration: laparoscopic modification of the procedure]

We present a modification of the laparoscopic pericardial fenestration, an already accepted method for the treatment of the pericardial effusion caused by intrathoracic malignancies. We used this new technique in 5 patients. Laparoscopy was performed with three ports standard technique and dissection with Ultrascision was used for the fenestration of the pericardium. The mean operation time was 26 minutes (8-49). No complications developed. The average length of hospital stay was 2.8 days (2-5).