Via practica 6/2012

Preoperative preparation of patients undergoing cardiac surgery Part II: Possible influencing of gastrointestinal, neurological and infectious complications

Patients elected for elective cardiac surgery should be sent in the best possible condition, with optimized correctable risk factors. Ii is important that the patient is in a state of cardiopulmonary compensation, well nourished, with the long-term stabilized glycaemia levels. Planning the range of surgery procedures is based on the kidney function and to minimize risk of bleeding during surgery, it is essential to discontinue antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapy in advance. High risk patients should undergo gastroscopy preoperatively with the considerations to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. The carotic endarterectomy significantly reduces the risk of peri / postoperative stroke. The nasal decolonisation of staphylococci and the use of chlorhexine is important in the prevention of postoperative infections. When performing valvular surgery it is important to eliminate dental foci of infections.

Keywords: gastroscopy, eradication of Helicobacter pylori, postperfusion syndrome, delirium, endarterectomy, bacteremia, blood culture.