[Extra-cardiac risk factors in heart surgery evaluated by the gastroenterologist].

The present review analyzes the main gastroenterologic and hepatologic risk factors that influence the risk of cardiosurgical operations, as well as the prognosis. Gastroenterological or hepatic diseases are only rarely a contraindication for open-heart surgery, but sometimes require further preoperative diagnostic investigations and treatment. Although gastroenterological or hepatic complications of open-heart surgery are present in less than 1% of all cases, up to 30-40% are lethal. The severe complications often require other surgical interventions, especially in case of perforation of ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding or intestinal ischemia. The postoperative jaundice of unknown origin is a very difficult clinical problem. Its pathogenesis is still incompletely understood.