Gastrointestinal complications after cardiac surgery: a retrospective case–control study and risk score development

Introduction: Gastrointestinal (GI) complications after cardiac surgery, although uncommon (0.4-3%), are associated with high mortality rates (13-63%). This study aimed to describes outcomes of GI complications and propose a risk score predicting their occurrence. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study including 8,544 patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2005 and 2019. GI complications-defined as bleeding, ischemia/perforation, obstruction, or pancreatitis-were used to select cases for 1:2 propensity score matching with controls. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of a composite endpoint (postoperative pulmonary, renal, and cardiac complications). A GI complication risk score was then developed. Results: = 0.934). Conclusions: Mortality remains high among patients who develop GI complications after cardiac surgery, regardless of treatment modality. This risk score represents a potentially valuable tool for identifying patients at increased risk and underscores the importance of close monitoring and timely intervention in this population.