Surgical management of pericardial diseases.

The institutional experience of the Mayo Clinic in the surgical management of pericardial disease is reviewed. The historical background, indications for, and results of surgical therapy are presented in the management of constrictive pericarditis, effusive pericardial diseases, and recurrent (relapsing) acute pericarditis. With current operative techniques and perioperative management, the vast majority of patients with these conditions can be operated on safely and expect long-term relief of symptoms, with improvement in functional class and survival.