A pericardiectomy is performed for chronic pericarditis, and involves removing the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium).  This is done so that there cannot be chronic fluid accumulation in the area between the heart and pericardium, which can squeeze the heart and cause it to not function properly.  

Pre-Operative Details:

Your surgeon will give specific instructions before the surgery, including risks (i.e. bleeding, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, etc.).  Please make sure to contact your insurance company for coverage.  You will also meet with the anesthesiologist prior to the surgery to go over your medical history.  Please do not eat after midnight the night before your surgery.  On the day of surgery, you will arrive at the hospital, get registered, and get changed into a hospital gown.  A nurse will then review your chart to make sure there are no problems and then get all the paperwork in order for surgery.  The anesthesiologist will then start an IV and you will be taken to the operating room, where the surgeon will verify your name and procedure before any medication is given.  Once you are under anesthesia, surgery will begin.

Operative Details:

The surgeon will do a thoracotomy to get to the pericardium.  This means an incision will be made in between the ribs and then the ribs will be spread along one side to allow access to the heart.  Once the surgeon reaches the heart, he will strip off the pericardium and remove it.  Then, he will finish up and use stitches to close the initial incision.  

Post-Operative Details:

After the surgery, you will be taken to the post-operative/recovery area or the intensive care unit and be monitored.  You will likely experience pain and will given pain medication appropriately.  It is important to keep the incision areas clean and dry.  The length of your hospital stay depends on how quickly you are able to recover and perform some physical activity.  If you experience fevers, severe pain, redness/swelling/warmth where the incisions were made, or drainage from the incisions, please let your doctor know immediately.  Your surgeon will give specific instructions about recovery time.