Brian Fabri | University of Malta (original) (raw)

Papers by Brian Fabri

Heart, Jun 1, 2007

To study changes in coronary artery surgery practice in the years spanning publication of cardiac... more To study changes in coronary artery surgery practice in the years spanning publication of cardiac surgery mortality data in the UK. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from all National Health Service centres undertaking adult cardiac surgery in northwest England was carried out. Patients undergoing coronary artery surgery for the first time between April 1997 and March 2005 were included. Changes in observed, predicted and risk adjusted mortality (EuroSCORE) were studied. Evidence of risk-averse behaviour was looked for by examining the number of patients at low risk (EuroSCORE 0-5), high risk (6-10), and very high risk (11 or more), before and after public disclosure. Results: 25 730 patients underwent coronary artery surgery during the study period. The observed mortality decreased from 2.4% in 1997-8 to 1.8% in 2004-5 (p = 0.014). The expected mortality (EuroSCORE) increased from 3.0 to 3.5 (p,0.001). The observed to expected mortality ratio decreased from 0.8 to 0.51 (p,0.05). The total number and percentage of patients who were at low risk, high risk and very high risk was 2694 (84.6%), 449 (14.1%) and 41 (1.3%) before and 2654 (81.7%), 547 (16.8%) and 47 (1.4%) after public disclosure, respectively, demonstrating a significant increase in the number and proportion of high risk patients undergoing surgery (p,0.001). Conclusions: Publication of cardiac surgery mortality data in the UK has been associated with decreased risk adjusted mortality on retrospective analysis of a large patient database. There is no evidence that fewer high risk patients are undergoing surgery because mortality rates are published.

European Journal of Echocardiography, Jan 29, 2012

Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Jun 23, 2011

Objectives: Around 5-15% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) suffer fro... more Objectives: Around 5-15% of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) suffer from preoperative/pre-existing atrial fibrillation (PAF). This is a benign arrhythmia but can affect the outcome of the surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of PAF on the immediate postoperative course of patients undergoing on-pump (ONCAB) vs. off-pump (OPCAB) CABG. Methods: Over a 10-year period, data were prospectively entered into the database of our institution. A total of 10,461 patients underwent CABG, of whom 477 (4.6%) were in PAF. We analyzed these patients in two separate groups: group A (n=310) who underwent ONCAB and group B (n=167) who underwent OPCAB. After 4:1 propensity matching and adjusting for the preoperative and operative characteristics of these two groups with patients in SR (sinus rhythm), early, mid-and long-term outcomes of PAF patients were analyzed. Results: After adjusting for preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications were significantly higher in patients who had ONCAB when there was PAF compared to those in SR (P<0.001). In the OPCAB patients, on the other hand, there was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative complications between the patients with preoperative SR or PAF. In-hospital and short-term mortality were no different in the PAF group undergoing OPCAB compared to those in SR; however, the mid-and long-term survival rates in PAF patients who underwent OPCAB/ONCAB were worse compared than was seen in SR. Conclusions: PAF is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications. Our results have demonstrated that patients in PAF undergoing ONCAB are more susceptible to the postoperative complications compared to those in SR. However, there were no differences in mid-and long-term outcomes.

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, 1992

The requirement for hypothermia in myocardial protection has recently been questioned. Between Oc... more The requirement for hypothermia in myocardial protection has recently been questioned. Between October 1990 and May 1991, diastolic arrest was achieved using continuous perfusion with normothermic, hyperkalaemic blood in 257 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The mean age was 59.8 + 9.3 years (range 28-84 years). Coronary artery surgery was performed in 210 patients, valve replacements in 18, combined procedures in 22, and 7 patients had miscellaneous procedures. Eleven patients (4.3%) had undergone previous cardiac surgery, and 65 (25.3%) required urgent or emergency operations. Hyperkalaemic blood (7-20 mmol/l) was delivered antegradely in 190 (72.8%) patients (mean aortic root pressure 60-80 mmHg), retrogradely in 62 (25.3%) patients (mean coronary sinus pressure <40 mmHg), and by a combined route in 5 (1.9%). Sinus rhythm returned immediately after removal of the aortic clamp in 235 (91.4%) patients. Weaning from bypass was achieved without circulatory support in 207 (82.5%) patients. Of 233 patients undergoing non-emergency coronary artery surgery, single valve or combined procedures, 11 died, giving an operative mortality of 4.7%. Of 155 patients with good left ventricular function requiring coronary artery surgery, 3 (1.9O/,) died. The in-hospital mortality for the group as a whole was 7.3%. Sixteen (6.2%) patients sustained perioperative myocardial infarctions; of these 6 died. We conclude that continuous, normothermic, hyperkalaemic arrest is a simple and safe method of myocardial protection. It may avoid the damage associated with hypothermia, ischaemia and reperfusion.

Asian Cardiovascular and Thoracic Annals, Aug 1, 2012

Background: advantages in the use of arterial grafts for coronary artery revascularizations have ... more Background: advantages in the use of arterial grafts for coronary artery revascularizations have been reported previously. Objectives: we aimed to compare the outcome and survival rates of different conduits in patients with poor ventricular function (ejection fraction &lt;30%). Methods: in a 10-year period, 979 patients with an ejection fraction &lt;30%, who underwent isolated first-time coronary artery bypass grafting, were divided into in 3 groups: (A) total arterial grafts ( n = 257), (B) total vein grafts ( n = 76), and (C) left internal mammary artery and vein grafts ( n = 610). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of graft type on mortality, while adjusting for patient and disease characteristics. Hospital mortality and 5-year survival rates were compared among the groups. Results: hospital mortality was 8.9% for group A, 11.8% for group B, and 5.7% for group C. Mortality at 5 years was 27.2% for group A, 42.3% for group B, and 28.7% for group C. After risk adjustment, hospital mortality and mid- and long-term mortality showed no significant differences among the groups. Conclusions: patients with poor ventricular function have a high mortality rate in both the short- and long-term with any type of conduit. Mortality rates with total arterial grafts and vein plus arterial grafts were comparable before and after risk adjustment.

PubMed, Sep 1, 1984

A retrospective review of 22 patients undergoing cervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis is pre... more A retrospective review of 22 patients undergoing cervical thymectomy for myasthenia gravis is presented. Their ages ranged from 19 to 67 years. The male and female ratio as well as the severity of illness prior to operation were similar to other reported series. All patients were evaluated from the standpoint of clinical response to thymectomy, and the number and dosage of anti-myasthenic drugs required after operation. There was a statistically significant improvement in clinical status in the immediate postoperative period (P less than 0.05) and a further significant improvement was noted at six months (P less than 0.05). In addition, significant reductions in postoperative drug therapy were noted (P less than 0.05). Complications from cervical thymectomy were minimal and mortality was zero. An attempt was made to correlate histological findings with clinical results. Comparison is made to other series in the literature and the advantages of the cervical technique as the initial surgical approach are described. The data presented support a useful role for cervical thymectomy in the treatment of myasthenia gravis.

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Jun 1, 1986

Effect of experimental cardiopulmonary bypass on systemic and transcardiac thromboxane B 2 levels... more Effect of experimental cardiopulmonary bypass on systemic and transcardiac thromboxane B 2 levels Systemic and cardiac metabolism of thromboxane was studied in a canine model (n = 13) of standard cardiopulmonary bypass and surgical cardioplegia. Sterile techniques were applied and no donor blood was used. Systemic samples (thoracic aorta) and transcardiac gradients (coronary sinus-aortic root) were obtained (I) 5 minutes after cannulation, (2) 20 minutes after the onset of partial bypass, (3) 5 seconds after the first administration of cardioplegic solution (CP-I), and (4) 5 seconds after the second administration of cardioplegic solution (CP-2~Cardioplegic doses were administered 30 minutes apart and consisted of 500 ml of hypothermic (8°C), hyperkalemic (25 mEq potassium chloride) solution infused into the aortic root at 60 to 70 mm Hg. Thromboxane B 2 was determined by a double-antibody radioimmunoassay (picograms per milliliter ± standard error of the mean), Onset of partial bypass was foUowed by a significant rise in systemic arterial thromboxane B 2 levels: after cannulation, 115 ± 21 pg/mI; after the onset of partial bypass, 596 ± 141 pg/mI; p < 0.01). Significant transcardiac thromboxane B 2 gradients were found during the first and second cardioplegic washouts (CP-I: aortic root 73 ± 12 pg/mI, coronary sinus 306 ± 86 pg/ml, p < 0.01; CP-2: aortic root 65 ± 11 pg/ml, coronary sinus 355 ± 98 pg/mI, p < 0.01). Transcardiac gradients of 6-keto-prostaglandin F ia and thromboxane B 2 were obtained at CP-I and CP-2. Gradients of 6-keto-prostaglandin F 1a were not different from thromboxane B 2 gradients during CP-I but were significantly higher than thromboxane B 2 gradients during CP-2. In a subgroup of five dogs, transcardiac thromboxane Bz, lactate, and platelet gradients were measured simultaneously. Cardiac thromboxane B 2 generation was found only in the presence of cardiac lactate production. Transcardiac platelet gradients were significantly higher at CP-I (13,900 ± 3,000/mm:l) than at CP-2 (4,000 ± 1,23O/mm:l) (p < 0.05), whereas thromboxane B 2 gradients were similar at CP-I and CP-2. Our study demonstrates that thromboxane B 2 is released into the coronary circulation during surgical cardioplegic arrest with anaerobiosis.

Postgraduate Medical Journal, Jul 1, 1995

Prosthetic valve thrombogenicity and bleeding complications associated with lifelong anticoagulat... more Prosthetic valve thrombogenicity and bleeding complications associated with lifelong anticoagulation are constant potential causes of morbidity and mortality following prosthetic valve implantation. The conflict between over-and under-anticoagulation is even more of a problem when other surgical interventions are required. Very few clinical trials have addressed this issue. We propose some guidelines based on the concept of risk-adjusted intensity of anticoagulation but stress the need for caution with intepretation of these recommendations.

Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Feb 5, 2011

The reported benefits of intraoperative cell salvage are decreased requirement for blood transfus... more The reported benefits of intraoperative cell salvage are decreased requirement for blood transfusion and cost-effectiveness. This study was designed to challenge this hypothesis. We assessed intraoperative blood loss and the use of cell saver in our institution. In-7% of cases the volume of blood loss was sufficient enough to be washed and returned. We conclude that the routine use of cell savers in all cardiac operations affords no benefit and consumes additional revenue. We recommend that the system only be considered in selected high-risk cases or complex procedures.

International Journal of Psychophysiology, 2003

Study objectives: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is a common and successful procedur... more Study objectives: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery is a common and successful procedure for revascularisation. However, the experience can induce emotional reactions prior to and following surgery. This study aimed to document changes in blood pressure (BP) reactivity and heart rate variability (HRV) following CABG surgery, and to determine the impact of mood state, particularly anxiety and depression upon cardiovascular functioning. Method: Twenty-two patients preparing to receive elective, first time CABG surgery were recruited from The Cardiothoracic Centre, Liverpool, UK and psychologically assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), Global Mood Scale (GMS) and the Dispositional Resilience Scale (DRI). BP and heart rate responses were also measured during four conditions: baseline response; laboratory session; ambulatory monitoring; and selfinitialised recordings during the ambulatory period. In addition, HRV was measured for 12 h in conjunction with the ambulatory monitoring period. All measures were assessed 1 week prior to surgery and 2 months following surgery. Results: A significant decrease in negative mood and an increase in positive mood were reported following surgery. Forty percent of patients were clinically anxious and depressed prior to surgery although this was reduced to 27% after surgery. Depression was the strongest independent predictor of pre-operative BP and HRV whilst anxiety was most significantly related to follow-up BP reactivity. DBP was most strongly predicted by mood state. Conclusions: These results suggest that patients with higher levels of anxiety and depression are at risk of reduced HRV and increased BP reactivity in response to mental stressors. The study also strongly suggests that current patient services should be expanded to acknowledge the role of psychological factors within clinical prognosis after CABG surgery.

Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Oct 1, 2010

Objectives: Coronary artery revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass (ONCAB) has been report... more Objectives: Coronary artery revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass (ONCAB) has been reported to carry several risks for patients with poor left ventricular (LV) function (ejection fraction-30%). Off-pump CABG (OPCAB) has been proposed to result in a better outcome, but mid-and long-term survival rates have never been compared. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on this group of patients. Methods: In a 10-year period, a total of 934 patients with poor LV function undergoing isolated first-time coronary artery bypass graft were studied. They were divided into two groups, the ONCAB group, with 528 patients, and the OPCAB group with 406 patients. The EuroSCORE was significantly higher in the OPCAB group (Ps0.049). After adjusting for the preoperative characteristics, postoperative complications, in-hospital mortality, mid-term survival rate (five years), and long-term survival rate (10 years) were compared. Results: The average number of grafts was 3.7 in the ONCAB group and 3.1 in the OPCAB group (P-0.001). Postoperative complications of ONCAB and OPCAB groups such as; atrial fibrillation (29.6% vs. 28.6%), renal failure (9.3% vs. 9.6%), stroke (2.3% vs. 0.7%), and perioperative myocardial infarction (MI) (3.8% vs. 2.0%), were comparable between groups. Length of intensive care unit stay, hospital stay and ventilation time were considerably shorter in the OPCAB group (P-0.05). The incidence of wound infection was also lower in the OPCAB patients (P-0.05). After adjusting for the preoperative characteristics the incidence of most postoperative complications remained the same between the two groups, except for MI, which was lower in the OPCABs (P-0.04). Despite a lower number of proximal anastomoses in the OPCAB patients, the rate of stroke remained the same between the OPCAB and ONCAB patients (0.09% vs. 1.6%). Inhospital mortality was higher in ONCAB compared to OPCAB (7.8% vs. 5.7%), but this difference did not reach statistical significance (Ps0.21). Likewise, mid-term and long-term survival rates were similar even with matched preoperative characteristics. However, reintervention rate was found to be higher in the OPCABs (P-0.001). Conclusions: Despite the reported benefits of OPCAB, there was no significant influence on the in-hospital mortality, mid-term survival or long-term survival in patients with LV dysfunction. With adequate myocardial protection in ONCAB and complete revascularization in OPCAB, similar results are achievable.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Oct 1, 2011

Background. Approximately 10% to 15% of patients undergoing cardiac operations suffer from atrial... more Background. Approximately 10% to 15% of patients undergoing cardiac operations suffer from atrial fibrillation (AF) at the time of surgery. The current risk stratification methods do not include preoperative arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of preoperative AF on the immediate postoperative outcome of patients undergoing cardiac surgery as well as in the midterm and long-term outcomes. Methods. We reviewed patient data for our institution for a 10-year period; a total of 14,320 patients undergoing any cardiac operation were included; 12,395 (86.5%) had sinus rhythm preoperatively and 1,925 (13.5%) were in persistent AF. After propensity matching and adjusting for the preoperative and operative characteristics, 1,800 patients remained in each group and were compared. Results. Before and after adjusting for the preoperative and operative characteristics, inotropic support, ventilation time, renal failure, stroke, and surgical wound infection rates were all significantly higher for the patients with AF (p < 0.001). Intensive care unit stay and hospital stay as well as in-hospital mortality were also significantly higher among the patients with AF compared with the sinus rhythm group (p < 0.001). At 30 days, 5-year and 10-year mortality rates in the AF group were significantly higher compared with those in sinus rhythm group (p < 0.001). Conclusions. Atrial fibrillation preoperatively is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications. This arrhythmia is an important variable that appears to have been excluded from the current risk stratification systems. Our experience suggests that AF should be considered in the development/update of risk-stratifying methodologies to improve the predictive accuracy.

BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia, 1998

The technique of early extubation after coronary artery bypass grafting is increasing in populari... more The technique of early extubation after coronary artery bypass grafting is increasing in popularity, but its safety and effect on myocardial ischaemia remain to be established. In a randomized, prospective study, patients undergoing routine elective coronary artery bypass grafting were managed with either early or late tracheal extubation. The incidence and severity of electrocardiographic myocardial ischaemia were compared. Data were analysed from 85 patients (43 early extubation; 42 late extubation). Median time to extubation was 110 min in the early extubation patients and 757 min in the late extubation patients. After correction for randomization bias, there were no significant differences between groups in ischaemic burden, maximal ST-segment deviation, incidence of ischaemia and area under the ST deviation-time curve (integral of ST deviation and time). Similarly, there were no differences between groups in postoperative creatine kinase MB-isoenzyme concentrations and duration of stay in the ICU or hospital. Therefore, this study provides evidence for the safety of early extubation after routine coronary artery bypass grafting. (Br.

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Jun 1, 2003

Objective: To identify risk factors for sternal wound infection following coronary artery bypass ... more Objective: To identify risk factors for sternal wound infection following coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), and to compare early and mid-term survival outcome. Methods: Data were prospectively collected for 4228 patients who underwent CABG surgery between April 1997 and March 2001. One hundred and nine (2.6%) patients developed sternal wound infection. We used logistic regression to identify independent risk factors associated with post-operative sternal wound infection. Patient records were linked to the National Strategic Tracing Service, which records all deaths in the UK, to establish current vital status. Deaths occurring over time were described using Kaplan-Meier techniques. To control for differences in patient characteristics, we used Cox proportional hazards analysis to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The results of the logistic regression analysis found that the independent predictors of sternal wound infection were obesity (odds ratio (OR) 2.0; P , 0:001), New York Heart Association class $ 3 (OR 1.6; P ¼ 0:022), use of bilateral internal mammary arteries (OR 3.2; P , 0:001), increasing number of grafts (OR 1.5; P , 0:001), re-exploration for bleeding (OR 3.1; P ¼ 0:011), and increased duration of mechanical ventilation (for every 10 h (OR 1.12; P , 0:001)). Three hundred and forty one (8.1%) deaths occurred during the study period with mean follow up of 3.2^1.3 years. The crude HR of mid-term mortality for sternal wound infection patients was 2.51 (95% CI 1.59-3.94, P , 0:001). After adjustment for pre, intra and post-operative factors, the adjusted HR of mid-term mortality for sternal wound infection patients was 1.64 (95% CI 1.03-2.61, P ¼ 0:037). The adjusted freedom from death for sternal wound infections at 30 days, and 1, 2 and 4 years was 96.8, 93.7, 91.4 and 86.7%, respectively, compared with 98.1, 96.1, 94.7 and 91.7% for patients without sternal wound infections. Conclusions: In conclusion, we have identified risk factors for sternal wound infection, many of which are modifiable. We have also shown that there is a significant increase in mortality in patients with sternal wound infection during a 4-year follow-up period after CABG.

Clinical science. Supplement (1979), Jul 1, 1993

Perfusion, Mar 1, 2002

A potential morbidity of incomplete re-warming following hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB)... more A potential morbidity of incomplete re-warming following hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is cardiac arrest. In contrast, attempts to fully re-warm the patient can lead to cerebral hyperthermia. Similarly, rigid adherence to 37.0°C during normothermic CPB may also cause cerebral overheating. The literature demonstrates scant information concerning the actual temperatures measured, the sites of temperature measurement and the detailed thermal strategies employed during CPB. A prospective, randomized, controlled study was undertaken to investigate the ability to manage perfusion temperature control in a group of hypothermic patients (28°C) and a group of normothermic patients (37°C). Eighty patients presenting for first-time, elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) were randomly allocated to the hypothermic and normothermic groups. All surgery was performed by one surgeon and the anaesthesia managed by one anaesthetist. Temperature measurements were made at the nasopharyngeal (NP) site, as well as in the arterial line of the CPB circuit. The hypothermic group had the arterial blood temperature lowered to 25.0°C to maintain the NP temperature at 28.0-28.5°C. During re-warming, the arterial blood was raised to 38.0°C. Meanwhile, in the normothermic group, the arterial blood temperature was raised to a maximum of 37.0°C to maintain NP temperature at 36.5-37.0°C. Despite strict guidelines, some patients transgressed the temperature control limits. Two patients in the hypothermic group failed to reach an NP temperature of 28.5°C. Twenty-six patients were managed entirely within the control limits. During re-warming in both groups, control of both arterial and NP temperature was well managed with only 25% patients breaching the respective upper control limits. During the re-warming phases of CPB, we were unable to make any correlation between NP temperature and arterial blood temperature, using body weight or body mass index as predictors. Based on the results obtained, we recommend that strict criteria should be implemented for the management of temperature during CPB, in conjunction with more emphasis being placed on monitoring arterial blood temperature as a marker of potential cerebral hyperthermia. We should, therefore, not rely on NP temperature measurement alone during CPB.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Nov 1, 2004

Diabetic patients are recognized as being at high risk for adverse outcomes after coronary artery... more Diabetic patients are recognized as being at high risk for adverse outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting. We evaluated our outcomes in diabetic patients to compare the effect of off-pump with on-pump coronary revascularization. Between April 1997 and September 2002, 951 consecutive diabetic patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. A total of 186 (19.6%) of these patients had off-pump coronary procedures. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the effect of off-pump coronary procedures on adverse in-hospital outcomes, while adjusting for patient and disease characteristics by constructing a propensity score from core patient characteristics. The propensity score was the probability of receiving off-pump coronary operation, with a C-statistic of 0.81, and was included along with the comparison variable in a multivariable analysis of outcome. All analysis was performed retrospectively. Off-pump patients were more likely to be obese (p = 0.032), have left main stem stenosis (p = 0.034), and have undergone prior cardiac operation (p = 0.027). The off-pump group had fewer patients with three-vessel disease compared with the on-pump group. After risk adjusting with propensity score, off-pump patients had a significantly lower incidence of stroke (adjusted odds ratio 0.15; p = 0.039) and renal failure (adjusted odds ratio 0.38; p = 0.036). Off-pump patients also required less blood transfusion (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) and had shorter lengths of stay (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). Off-pump coronary operation in diabetic patients significantly reduced postoperative morbidity and length of stay compared with on-pump coronary operation, although no in-hospital survival difference was noted between the two groups.

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Jun 1, 2002

Intracoronary shunting is a useful method for maintaining distal perfusion as well as providing a... more Intracoronary shunting is a useful method for maintaining distal perfusion as well as providing a bloodless field during off-pump coronary revascularization. Intracoronary shunts require insertion of both ends through a limited arteriotomy, which sometimes can be troublesome. We describe the 'shunt shuffle' as a simple technique, which allows rapid, atraumatic and easy insertion of intracoronary shunts.

European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Jun 1, 2006

Objective: As little is known about the impact of non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction on sho... more Objective: As little is known about the impact of non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction on short-and mid-term outcomes following coronary surgery we have conducted a large multi-centre study comparing patients with no history of renal dysfunction to those with preoperative renal dysfunction. Methods: Data was prospectively collected on 19,625 consecutive patients undergoing isolated coronary surgery between 1997 and 2003 from four institutions. Sixty-seven patients had a history of dialysis support prior to coronary surgery, and were excluded from the main analysis of the study. The remaining 19,558 patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative serum creatinine level, patients with preoperative renal dysfunction with serum creatinine levels >200 mmol/L without dialysis support and control patients with preoperative serum creatinine levels <200 mmol/L. Case-mix was accounted for by developing a propensity score, which was the probability of belonging to the nondialysis-dependent renal dysfunction group, and included in the multivariable analyses. Results: There were 19,172 patients with preoperative serum creatinine levels <200 mmol/L and 386 patients with serum creatinine levels >200 mmol/L without dialysis support. The propensity score included sex, body mass index, co-morbidity factors (respiratory disease, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia), ejection fraction, left main stem stenosis, emergency status, prior cardiac surgery, off-pump surgery, and the logistic EuroSCORE. After adjusting for the propensity score, patients with preoperative non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 3.0, p < 0.001), stroke (adjusted odds ratio 2.0, p = 0.033), atrial arrhythmia (adjusted odds ratio 1.5, p = 0.003), prolonged ventilation (adjusted odds ratio 2.1, p < 0.001), and post-op stay > 6 days (adjusted odds ratio 2.6, p < 0.001). One thousand one hundred and eighty-three (6.1%) deaths occurred during 58,062 patient-years follow-up. After adjusting for the propensity score, the adjusted hazard ratio of mid-term mortality for non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction was 2.7 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients undergoing coronary surgery with non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction have significantly increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. Mid-term survival is also significantly reduced at 5-years.