Methods: A total of 129 patients (83 men, 46 women; mean age 48.75 years) underwent open heart surgery in our center between December 2006 and May 2007. The main operations were performed for coronary artery surgery to 83 (64.3%) patients. Four patients underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Other etiologies were: mitral valve disease (n=15), aortic valve disease (n=10), ascending aortic aneurysm (n=2), acute type A aortic dissection (n=2), atrial septal defect (n=13), tetralogy of Fallot (n=5) and patent ductus arteriosus (n=2). Most of the patients were referred from various clinics of our faculty. Therefore the rate of comorbidity incidence of the patient population is high. Major comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (n=35), goiter history (n=20), pulmonary hypertension (n=8), history of renal transplantation prior to cardiac surgery (n=3), active infective endocarditis (n=3), systemic lupus erythematosus (n=2) and von Willebrand’s disease (n=1).

Results: There were three in-hospital mortality (%2.3) in our patients. Coronary artery bypass grafting, total correction of tetralogy of Fallot and repair of Stanford Type A aortic dissection were the operations performed in these three patients. Major postoperative complications were detected in 11 patients (8.53%). Wound infections in three patients (2.3%), low cardiac output in two patients (1.5%), new onset renal insufficiency in two patients (1.5%), temporary neurologic disorder in two patients (1.5%). Complete atrioventricular block was observed in two patients and permanent pacemaker devices were inserted to both patients. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation was used in two patients. There was no reoperation, perioperative myocardial infarction and mediastenitis.

Conclusion: İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine restarted open heart surgery operations with a renovated intensive care unit and operation theaters since December 2006. Shortly after its renovation, we think that open heart surgery has been performed successfully despite of the high comorbid diseases.