Early audit of renal complications in a new cardiac surgery service in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the incidence of renal failure in a cardiac surgery service commencing in Australia.


METHODS
Prospective data collection and retrospective database analysis.


METHODS
A tertiary referral, university teaching hospital in the state of Victoria, Australia.


METHODS
The first 502 patients undergoing cardiac surgery in this institution from commencement of the service.


RESULTS
The overall rate of renal failure was low in comparison to other studies at 0.2% (95% CI 0.04-1.3%). The rate of postoperative renal dysfunction was also low at 4.2% (95% CI 2.7-6.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
The safety of the new service with respect to this complication of cardiac surgery was good when compared with published data. However the lack of uniform definitions of renal failure following cardiac surgery make comparisons between studies difficult. Uniform reporting of this complication would facilitate comparisons between units and quality assurance activities in this field.
Bolsin
Stephen N
SN
Department of Perioperative Medicine, Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Geelong Hospital, Ryrie Street, Geelong, Vic. 3220, Australia. steveb@barwonhealth.org.au
Stow
Peter
P
Bucknell
Sarah
S