Is prompt exploratory laparotomy the best attitude for mesenteric ischemia after cardiac surgery?

Mesenteric ischemia following cardiac surgery is a life-threatening complication. Early identification of patients may help optimizing management and improving outcome. Between January 2000 and July 2007, surgical exploration was realized when mesenteric ischemia was suspected after coronary-artery bypass grafts (CABG). Patients were divided in two groups according to diagnosis confirmation upon laparotomy. Peri-operative predictors of complication and death were analyzed. Of 1634 consecutive patients, 13 (0.8%) developed acute abdomen with suspicion of mesenteric ischemia. Seven (0.4%) underwent resection for ischemic lesions (group 1), of whom two were during a second look laparotomy. The other six patients had normal bowel (group 2). Both groups were comparable according to preoperative status, clinical signs, biological and radiological findings. Delays to laparotomy were 13.7+/-19.0 and 51.4+/-29.0 h in group 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.02). Mortality rates were 46.1% (6/13) overall, 42.8% for group 1 and 50% for group 2. All deaths occurred within the first nine postoperative days. Mesenteric ischemia following CABG is a fatal complication in almost half the cases. Diagnostic tools and timely laparotomy still need to be optimized. Low threshold-based strategy for prompt surgical intervention is efficient for both diagnosis and treatment.