Posterior left pericardiotomy (PP): what is the advantage in cardiac surgery?
This narrative review summarizes evidence supporting posterior pericardiotomy as a simple surgical technique to improve pericardial drainage after cardiac surgery. Studies consistently show reductions in postoperative atrial fibrillation, pericardial effusion, and cardiac tamponade, without an increase in pulmonary complications despite higher rates of pleural effusion. By facilitating postoperative fluid drainage, posterior pericardiotomy may improve recovery and reduce complications, although its impact on long‑term outcomes remains to be established through ongoing multicenter trials.
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