The reasons for gastrointestinal consultation after cardiac surgery

Sixty-two (1.10%) of 5719 patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 1976 and 1982 required postoperative gastro-intestinal consultation, and 24 (0.4%) required operation. The major complications were gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastritis in 15, peptic ulcer in ten, and acute cholecystitis in 12. Acute diverticulitis was diagnosed in eight patients. Three patients had massive bowel necrosis, while eight patients had painless jaundice. Six patients had miscellaneous problems requiring consultation. Operative mortality was 10/25 (40%). Most complications occurred within 7 days of cardiac surgery. Seventeen of 62 patients required an intra-aortic balloon pump, and 29/62 had a hypotensive episode during cardiac surgery. Gastro-intestinal complications following cardiac surgery are rare but carry significant mortality. Patients with circulatory compromise and those requiring intra-aortic balloon pump are most likely to develop gastrointestinal complications. Careful monitoring and physical examination of these high-risk patients following cardiac surgery is required for early detection and effective treatment.