Primary closure of the pericardium at the end of the first operation may significantly reduce the risk of bleeding during resternotomy in a possible reoperation. In this retrospective study, we tried to find out whether the primary closure of pericardium increases the risk of cardiac tamponade.

Materials and Methods:

We studied 640 cases retrospectively. Pericardium was closed in 564 cases. In most cases, intrapericardial drainage was established through an opening on posterior pericardium. In the other cases a thoracic drainage tube, 28 number, was placed on the diaphragmatic surface. 421 (74.6%) cases were male, 143 (25.4%) cases were female. 13 (2.3%) of cases had to be reopened because of bleeding. 3 (0.5%) of these cases had symptoms of tamponade, while ten cases had no such symptom.

Results:

When cases were compared to control group, a significant differences was not obtained for bleeding and tamponade.

Conclusion:

We suggest the primary closure of the pericardium in the first operation except in patients with bad ventricles to avoid bleeding during resternotomy in a future reoperation.