RESUMO
Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of digestive system dysfunctions after cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods The clinical data of 2349 consecutive cases undergoing cardiovascular surgery with CPB from Jan 1996 to Dec 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The risk factors, clinical features, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis of digestive system dysfuctions were summarized. Results The incidence of digestive system dysfunctions was 1.4% (n=33), and the most common events were paralytic ileus (33.3%, n=11) and gastrointestinal bleeding (27.3%, n=9). Liver function insufficiency and ischemic bowel disease were the most common causes of deaths. 26(78.8%) patients underwent medicine treatment, 7(21.2%) patients accepted surgical interventions, and 5 patients (15.2%) died. Conclusion Digestive system dysfunctions following cardiovascular surgery were uncommon but had a high mortality. Advanced ages, history of gastrointestinal disease and perioperative hemodynamic unstability may be the clinical risk factors of digestive system dysfuctions. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for the outcome of the patients.