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An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
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Published on: April 17, 2020

Transesophageal echocardiography-related gastrointestinal complications in cardiac surgical patients

Mark J Lennon1, Neville M Gibbs, William M Weightman

  • 1Department of Anaesthesia, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia. mjlennon1@bigpond.com

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia
|May 4, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in cardiac surgery patients was linked to a higher incidence of major gastrointestinal (GI) complications than previously reported. Late-presenting GI complications were more frequent, suggesting underestimation in prior studies.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Medical Device Safety

Background:

  • Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a valuable tool in adult cardiac surgery.
  • The incidence of major gastrointestinal (GI) complications associated with TEE requires further investigation.

Observation:

  • A retrospective audit of 859 adult cardiac surgery patients was conducted.
  • Six patients (1.2%) who underwent TEE developed major GI complications, with 4 presenting late (>24 hours).
  • One patient (0.29%) without TEE developed a major GI complication.

Findings:

  • The incidence of major GI complications attributed to TEE was 1.2%, higher than previously reported.
  • Late presentation of GI complications post-TEE was more common than early presentation.
  • Studies excluding late presentations may underestimate the true incidence of TEE-related GI complications.

Implications:

  • Cardiac surgical teams should be vigilant for delayed GI complications after TEE.
  • Consideration of TEE as a potential cause for late GI complications is warranted.
  • Future research should include late presentations to accurately assess TEE-related GI risks.
Abstract

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