Methods: The study included 28 dialysis-dependent patients with CRF (21 males, 7 females; mean age 59±9 years; range 42 to 76 years) who underwent cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. Of these, 25 patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, one patient underwent coronary artery bypass surgery and aortic valve replacement, and two patients underwent cardiac valve surgery. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data of the patients were retrospectively evaluated.

Results: The mean cross clamp time was 63±18 min and the mean perfusion time was 84±22 min. Seven patients needed inotropic support at the end of surgery, but inotropic support was discontinued in the first postoperative day in all the patients. None of the patients required revision. The mean amount of drainage was 440±110 ml. Five patients (18%) who developed atrial fibrillation returned to sinus rhythm after medical treatment. Three patients underwent thoracentesis due to pleural effusion. One patient developed wound infection. Mortality occurred in only one patient due to low cardiac output and multiorgan failure. The mean intensive care unit stay was 20±4 hours, and the mean hospital stay was 7±1 days. Postoperatively, all the patients continued dialysis treatment without cardiac symptoms.

Conclusion: Cardiac surgery with conventional cardiopulmonary bypass techniques can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates in dialysis-dependent patients with CRF.