[Results of pericardiectomy in the treatment of constrictive pericarditis]

Between 1981 and 1990 at the Cardiosurgical Clinic in Hradec Králové pericardectomy on account of chronic constrictive pericarditis was performed in 20 patients. The authors evaluated the duration of complaints, preoperative symptomatology, surgical procedure and results of the operation. Symptoms of right-sided cardiac congestion were recorded in 80% of the patients. Calcifications of the pericardium were found in 70% of the patients. During the postoperative period one patient died (5%). The long-term results evaluated at least three years after operation were very good in 65% of the operated patients. Treatment of chronic constrictive pericarditis is surgical and involves subtotal pericardectomy from medial sternotomy.