Heart surgery in patients under haemodialysis

Several cases of open-heart surgery on patients with severe chronic renal failure have been reported in the last few years. The present study reviews the main problems posed by this situation and analyses our recent experience of three successfully managed patients. Emphasis is made on preoperative preparation, drugs employed in anaesthesia, and postoperative management. We conclude that the prognosis of these patients is good, and that their management is quite similar to that of nephrologically healthy patients.