Left atrial cardiac Tamponade complicating radical nephrectomy – case report

BACKGROUND: We present an unusual case of pericardial tamponade occurring subsequent to a radical right nephrectomy performed entirely through a laparotomy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43 year old gentleman who presented with large loculated posterior pericardial effusion compressing the left atrium, following a radical nephrectomy performed entirely through a laparotomy. He required an emergency sternotomy, pericardial and pleural drainage. CONCLUSION: Cardiac tamponade is an extremely rare complication of radical nephrectomy. However, any procedure that involves opening of the pericardium does carry a risk of bleeding and therefore cardiac tamponade, particularly in the context of post-operative full anticoagulation.