What are the possible complications of coronary bypass surgery?
Coronary bypass surgery has been performed for more than 30 years and is a very successful technique for dealing with cardiac disease. As with any surgery, however, it carries some risks. Patients who are over 70, who are female, who have had previous heart surgery and who have another serious medical condition, such as diabetes, emphysema or kidney disease are all at higher risk. During the surgery, a heart attack or stroke may occur. There is also the risk of blood clots, heavy bleeding, and the risks associated with the anesthetic itself. Some patients will get an infected wound or suffer from post-pericardiotomy syndrome which causes fever and chest pain. (This can be treated with medication). Some people report memory loss or a lack of mental clarity after the surgery; this usually resolves itself within six to 12 months.
