[Accidents and complications seen during anesthesia and postoperative recovery in coronary surgery]

One hundred and six cases of myocardial revascularisation ECC performed during 1976 and 1977 were reviewed in order to assess the accidents and complications seen in surgery of this type. The course of the operation, and above all during the pre-ECC phase, was felt to be marked above all by hypertensive crises. During the immediate postoperative phase the picture was dominated by haemodynamic problems. Moderate left ventricular failure was common and responded rapidly to restoration of water and electrolyte and blood volume balance. Sympathomimetic amines were also used as necessary. Severe low output states were seen in only 8.5 per cent of cases. Analysis of factors interfering with the operation showed that the prior myocardial state had the most influence on the postoperative course.