[Thoracoscopic fenestration of pericardium during the treatment of patients, suffering exudative pericarditis].

There were examined 67 patients, treated in the Thoracic Department of Rural Ivano-Frankivsk Clinical Hospital for exudative pericarditis in 2005-2009 yrs. In 27 (40.2%) patients a fenestration of pericardium was performed, using videoassisted thoracoscopy (VATHS), and in 40 (59.8%) - a pericardium cavity puncture according to Larrey method. The results of surgical treatment were analyzed, comparative estimation of the every method efficacy was conducted. The advantages of VATHS application with pericardium fenestration in patients, suffering exudative pericarditis, were proved. Indications for the VATHS application in patients, suffering exudative pericarditis, were determined.