[A case of an 86-year-old patient treated with thoracoscopic pericardiectomy of recurrent pericardial effusion].

Abstract

We performed thoracoscopic pericardiectomy to an 86-year-old patient with recurrent pericardial effusion of unknown origin. Etiology of pericardial effusion was established by this procedure. Postoperative course was uneventful. She was discharged within two weeks and has been well 8 months postoperatively. Thoracoscopic surgery is superior to thoracotomy in terms of less invasion and postoperative pain. Thoracoscopic surgery is replacing standard thoracotomy in the management of many thoracic diseases.

• Authors: M Ishikawa, M Nagase, H Kachi, M Sekino
• Journal: Kyobu geka. The Japanese journal of thoracic surgery (Kyobu Geka) Vol. 52 Issue 3 Pg. 225-8 (Mar 1999) ISSN: 0021-5252 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 10097550 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Endoscopy
• Female
• Humans
• Pericardial Effusion (surgery)
• Pericardiectomy (methods)
• Recurrence
• Thoracoscopy