The role of gender in coronary surgery.

Gender-based outcome data in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has been the focus of extensive research over the last two decades. Increased awareness in gender-specific health and advancements in scientific research have produced evidence that risk profiles vary between genders and alter operative mortality after CABG. Some of these data remain controversial, emphasizing the complexity of gender as an independent variable and questioning processes of care that are intimately associated with outcome. Although patient gender cannot be changed, understanding gender-specific risks and modifying surgical practice may be helpful in improving patient outcomes.