Impact of posterior pericardiectomy vs. posterior pericardial Hemovac drainage on POAF and fluid management in CABG patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study compares posterior pericardiectomy (PP) and posterior pericardial Hemovac drainage (PPHD) in terms of their effects on post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) incidence in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS

A total of 149 patients (mean age 59.6 ± 7.5 years, 75.8% male) were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the drainage technique. Demographic characteristics, perioperative parameters, and post-operative POAF incidence were analysed.

RESULTS

POAF incidence was 8.9% in the PP group and 5.1% in the PPHD group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.385). The first 24-hour drainage volume was significantly higher in the PPHD group (p = 0.034), whereas left thoracic drainage was more pronounced in the PP group (p < 0.001). Residual pleural effusion was more frequent in the PP group compared to the PPHD group (15.6% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Although the difference in POAF incidence between the two groups was not statistically significant, PPHD demonstrated more effective early drainage and resulted in less residual pleural effusion.