Introduction
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) and pericardial effusion are
important factors affecting prognosis after cardiac surgery. Recently, it
has been reported that posterior pericardiotomy (PP) can effectively prevent
the occurrence of POAF and pericardial effusion. To validate these
conclusions and guide clinical practice, we conducted a systematic review
with meta-analysis.
Methods
We searched multiple databases for manuscripts published before July 2022 on
the use of PP to prevent POAF and pericardial effusion and included only
randomized controlled trials. The main outcome was atrial fibrillation after
coronary artery bypass grafting, and secondary outcomes were included.
Results
This meta-analysis included 14 randomized controlled trials with a total of
2275 patients. Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of POAF after cardiac
surgery in the PP group was significantly lower than that in the control
group (risk ratio=0.48; 95% confidence interval=0.33~0.69; P<0.00001). PP
effectively reduced postoperative pericardial effusion (risk ratio=0.34, 95%
confidence interval=0.21-0.55; P<0.00001).
Conclusion
PP has shown good results in preventing POAF, pericardial effusion, and other
complications, which indicates that PP is a safe and effective surgical
method, but attention still needs to be paid to the potential risk of
coagulation dysfunction caused by PP.