[6] More conservative treatment may use diuretics, digoxin, steroids, NSAIDs, or antibiotics to change cardiovascular physiology without treating the underlying pathology, which is appropriate for those not suitable for major surgery.
[2] It also presents typical surgical risks, such as infection, anaesthesia complications, blood clots, and bleeding.
[3] Outcomes after surgery depend significantly on the underlying cause of illness, and the function of the kidneys, left ventricle, and pulmonary arteries.
[citation needed] Heart function often recovers very quickly after pericardiectomy is performed,[8] although the surgery itself can cause reduced cardiac output in the short term.
[2] Hospital recovery takes several days, with surgical suture removed after a week.
[2] After pericardiectomy, the heart takes on a more rounded shape due to the lack of stretch with the diaphragm.