Cardiac bypass surgery is considered open heart surgery and is performed to increase blood flow to the heart, which ultimately decreases your risk of suffering a heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, the surgeon creates a new "route" for blood to flow to the heart when arteries have become clogged due to cholesterol and other substances. Before undergoing cardiac bypass surgery, you should be aware of the possible complications that can occur.
Post-Operative Bleeding
According to Dr. Robert J. Matthews, cardiologist and internal medicine specialist in Los Angeles, California, excessive bleeding after the surgery is one major complication of bypass surgery. Matthews states that there are a multitude of factors associated with post-operative bleeding, which includes prolonged time in surgery, prior cardiac surgeries and aspirin being taken a week to 10 days after the surgery (aspirin thins the blood).
Heart Attack
Matthews states that approximately 2 percent of patients undergoing cardiac bypass surgery suffer from a heart attack during their surgery. This may be due to multiple coronary operations being performed or patients who suffer from more than one type of coronary disorder.
Respiratory Complications
Although infrequent, respiratory complications can occur. This typically occurs with patients who are under anesthesia longer than initially anticipated, patients with a history of respiratory illness such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a prolonged stay in the intensive care unit.
Renal Failure
Renal (kidney) failure generally occurs after surgery, Matthews says. It typically occurs in patients with an underlying renal disease. This, combined with cardiac instability, can result in renal failure following the surgery. In some cases, doctors will give the patient low-dose dopamine to increase renal blood flow, thus preventing this complication from occurring.
General Complications
Aside from specific complications, there are general complications which may occur. According to eMedTV.com, these complications include nausea, vomiting, the formation of a painful or abnormal scar, numbness of the skin and an allergic reaction to the surgical tape or latex gloves.
