Intraabdominal complications after cardiac surgery are infrequent, but often fatal. From 1985 to 1993, a total of 1241 cardiovascular operations requiring cardiopulmonary by pass were performed at Pusan Paik Hospital. A total of 16 intraabdominal
complications occurred, representing a 1.3% incidence. Complications included enterocolitis in six, hepatitis in three, gastric bleeding in two, erosive gastritis in one, cholecystitis in one, spleen rupture in one, epididymitis in one, inguinal
hernia
in one patient. The overall mortality rate was 12.5%(2 of 16). Three of the 16 patients underwent surgical intervention, and one died. We concluded that intraabdominal complications after cardiac surgery are associated with a high mortality rate,
so
when evidence of an acute abdominal symptom is observed or conservative medical treatment fails to improve symptoms, prompt early surgical intervention should be performed.
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