Predictors and outcomes of gastrointestinal complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft

Matthew H Recht1, J Michael Smith, Scott E Woods

  • 1Department of Surgery, Good Samaritan Hospital, Hatton Research 11-J, 375 Dixmyth Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA.

Insights

Older age, dialysis, and urgent procedures significantly increase gastrointestinal complication risk in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients. These patients also face higher mortality and more negative outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Complications
  • Patient Outcomes

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) complications are a concern in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
  • Identifying risk factors and outcomes associated with GI complications is crucial for improving patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the risk factors associated with developing GI complications after CABG.
  • To evaluate the outcomes for patients who experience GI complications post-CABG.

Main Methods:

  • A nested case-control study was conducted using a 9-year hospitalization cohort (n=7,345).
  • 66 patients with GI complications (cases) were matched 1:5 to 330 patients without complications (controls).
  • 16 risk factors and 14 outcomes were examined.

Main Results:

  • Significant risk factors for GI complications included age over 70, dialysis, and urgent procedure status.
  • Patients with GI complications had increased mortality, required more procedures, and experienced higher rates of arrhythmia, neurologic, pulmonary, renal, and sternal wound issues.
  • Increased length of hospital stay, ICU stay, ventilator time, and postoperative creatine phosphokinase levels were observed in patients with GI complications.

Conclusions:

  • Urgency of the procedure, age >70 years, and dialysis are significant predictors of GI complications in CABG patients.
  • GI complications are associated with substantially worse patient outcomes, including increased mortality and morbidity.
Abstract