Cardiac surgery in kidney and liver transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate operative management, outcome, and long-term survival in patients with functioning renal and hepatic allografts who underwent cardiac surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied all patients who had previously undergone either renal or hepatic transplantation and who subsequently (.1986-2001) underwent cardiac surgery at our institution. Data were obtained by retrospective medical record analysis. RESULTS: The study comprised 47 patients with renal (n=34) and hepatic (n=:13) functioning allografts. Median time to cardiac surgery from transplantation was 79 months. The most common procedures were as follows: coronary artery bypass grafting, 22 (47%); aortic valve procedures, 11 (23%); and mitral valve procedures, 5 (11%). One patient (2%) died within 30 days of surgery. Renal allograft dysfunction was noted in 5 renal patients (15%) immediately after surgery. Two patients required dialysis postoperatively, 1 of whom required continued dialysis on dismissal. Transient allograft dysfunction, as determined by elevated liver enzyme levels, occurred in 6 hepatic patients (46%). However, all hepatic patients had functional allografts on dismissal. Two patients (4%) developed leg wound infections, and 9 (19%) had respiratory complications. No sternal or mediastinal infection occurred. One- and 5-year survival rates (mean +/- SEM) for all patients were 93% +/- 4% and 76% +/- 8%, respectively. Of the renal patients, land 5-year survival rates (mean +/- SEM) were 97% +/- 3% and 82% +/- 8%, respectively. One- and 5-year survival rates (mean +/- SEM) for hepatic patients were 77% +/- 12% and 69% +/- 13%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgery can be performed safely in kidney and liver transplant recipients, with low early mortality and excellent medium-term survival. In almost all instances, allograft function is well preserved.