Eleven-Year Experience and Early Outcomes of Pericardiectomy for Constrictive Pericarditis

Background: Constrictive pericarditis represents the end stage of chronic pericardial inflammation and is characterized by impaired diastolic filling due to pericardial fibrosis and/or calcification, leading to progressive right-sided heart failure. Pericardiectomy remains the definitive treatment, yet perioperative risk remains substantial in patients with advanced disease. Methods: We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study of 47 consecutive patients undergoing surgical pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis between January 2010 and December 2021. Perioperative characteristics, operative strategy, and early outcomes, including 30-day mortality, postoperative morbidity, and length of stay, were assessed. Results: = 4). Mean ICU stay was 3.7 ± 4.5 days, and mean total hospital stay was 11 ± 6.7 days. Conclusion: Pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis can be performed with acceptable early mortality and morbidity even in a high-risk population. In experienced centers, an individualized surgical strategy prioritizing extensive pericardial resection with selective use of cardiopulmonary bypass appears feasible for the management of advanced disease.