Renal Problems Following Open-Heart Surgery: A Cardiovascular Surgeon’s Perspective

Objective: The presence of preoperative kidney disease or the development of postoperative renal failure (RF) is an undesirable condition and complication in patients who have undergone open-heart surgery (OHS). The purpose of this study is to assess the strategies and practical clinical interventions for patients with preoperative renal function impairment or newly developed postoperative renal function impairment subsequent to OHS.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1115 patients who underwent OHS from 2010 to 2018 and collected data from 184 patients (71 patients had end-stage renal disease with dialysis routine, whereas 113 patients had preoperative compensated RF without dialysis requirement).

Results: The mortality rate of 141 patients with end-stage RF who underwent OHS and who needed renal replacement due to RF at the postoperative period was 11.34%. Three patients could be withdrawn from cardiopulmonary bypass with the help of an intra-aortic balloon pump. Five patients underwent revision due to bleeding. Mean intensive care unit length of stay and mean hospitalization duration were 4.3 ± 1.1 and 11.4 ± 1.8, respectively.

Conclusion: Multidisciplinary collaboration for the management of patients with preoperative or postoperative renal dysfunction
may provide better results in the long term.

Cite this article as: Altun G, Pulathan Z. Renal problems following open-heart surgery: A cardiovascular surgeon’s perspective. Turk J Nephrol. 2021;30(2): 171-175.