Methods: Between January 2004 and January 2012, a total of 174 isolated on-pump CABG patients (121 males, 53 females; mean age 77.1 years; range 75 to 97 years) using cardiopulmonary bypass were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to their sex: Group 1 consisted of male patients, while group 2 consisted of female patients. Preoperative risk factors, intraoperative and postoperative data and early mortality rates of both groups were compared.

Results: The incidence of diabetes mellitus and EuroSCORE values were higher in females, while smoking rates were higher in males (p=0.012; p<0.01; p<0.01, respectively). The number of graft per patient and mediastinal drainage volume were higher in males, whereas the length of intensive care unit stay was longer in females (p=0.039; p=0.041; p<0.01, respectively). The left internal mammary artery graft utilization, need for inotropic support, intra-aortic balloon pump support, neurological complications, the incidence of atrial fibrillation and length of hospital stay were similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in the mortality rates between the groups [group 1, 1.7% (n=2); group 2, 3.8% (n=2)].

Conclusion: Although women aged above 75 years may have a higher incidence of diabetes mellitus, EuroSCORE values and length of intensive care unit stay compared to age-matched men, CABG operations can be done with similar mortality rates.