Background: Cardiovascular disease remains the most frequent cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study was designed to compare the perioperative and short-term results of conventional coronary artery bypass surgery (CABS) and off-pump CABS in hemodialysis-dependent ESRD patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: Twenty-one hemodialysis-dependent ESRD patients underwent CABS for CAD. The off-pump group consisted of 11 patients (8 males, 3 females; mean age 60±11 years; range 45 to 76 years), and the on-pump group consisted of 10 patients (6 males, 4 females; mean age 62±10 years; range 42 to 74 years). The two groups were compared with respect to preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data.

Results: The two groups did not differ with respect to demographic characteristics, preoperative risk factors, and laboratory findings (p>0.05). The mean number of anastomoses was 1.7±0.7 in the off-pump group compared to 2.1±0.7 in the on-pump group (p>0.05). The only significant perioperative difference was the operation time, which was shorter in the off-pump group (175±17 min vs 277±56 min; p<0.001). Postoperative drainage and length of intubation time were similar in the two groups, whereas the off-pump group exhibited significantly lower amount of transfusion (p<0.001), shorter intensive care unit stay (p=0.020) and hospitalization (p=0.002). Postoperative morbidity was seen in five patients, including atrial fibrillation in one patient in each group. Early mortality occurred in one patient in the on-pump group.

Conclusion: Both methods of CABS can be employed with low morbidity and mortality rates in hemodialysis-dependent ESRD patients with CAD. However, off-pump CABS can be preferred in appropriate patients due to reduced transfusion need and shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays.

Keywords : Cardiopulmonary bypass/adverse effects; coronary artery bypass, off-pump; kidney failure, chronic/complications.