The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery
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J. Thorac. Cardiovasc. Surg. · Jul 2017
Duodenal ulcers are a major cause of gastrointestinal bleeding after cardiac surgery.
To determine the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients after cardiac surgery, assess the perioperative risk factors, and determine the type of GI tract pathology associated with bleeding events. ⋯ Clinical variables can be used to identify patients at high risk for GI bleeding after cardiac surgery. When GI bleeding occurs, the most common cause is duodenal ulceration, which has an association with Helicobacter pylori infection. These findings may provide an opportunity to initiate preoperative preventative strategies.