Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Post-Surgical Complications

Helpful Highlights

• There are complications associated with surgery, in general, and there are complications unique to bypass surgery (CABG).

• Surgical site infection is the most frequent complication.

• There are times to call the cardiologist or primary care provider, and there are times to call for emergency services (9-1-1).

Surgical complications, in general

For any of the following symptoms, contact the cardiologist or primary care provider.

• Increased swelling, redness, or tenderness around the incision site(s).

• A change in color around the incision site(s), such as blue, brown, grey/green, or black.

• Bleeding from the incision site(s).

• Increased oozing of fluid from the incision site(s), especially if discolored or smelly.

• New or worsened pain around the incision site(s), especially if not relieved with medication.

• Altered toileting habits (especially if difficult or unable to pee or poop).

• Swelling of the feet, ankles, and/or lower legs.

• Fever*, or even below normal body temperature.

*Note that half of older adults aged 55 and over do not mount a fever response. (Fever is taken to mean > 100.4F/38C on 2 consecutive days or > 102.2F/39C on any one day.)

Post-CABG complications

For any of the following symptoms, contact the cardiologist or primary care provider.

• Rapid heart rate or heart palpitations.

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

• Blood in urine or stool.

• Grinding/clicking sensation in the chest.

• Persistent fever or below normal body temperature that doesn't respond to medication.

• Marked swelling of the feet, ankles, and/or lower legs.

• Persistent shortness of breath during, or for a long time after approved activities.

• A feeling of fullness in the chest.

Call for an ambulance (9-1-1)

• Shortness of breath that does not go away with rest.

• Chest pain that is not from the incision.

• Difficulty breathing (labored or can't seem to catch it).

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded at rest.

• Fainting or loss of consciousness.

• Severe headache.

• Drooping of the face or weakness on one side of the body.

• Slurred or distorted speech.

• Sudden onset of confusion or delirium.

• Shaking chills, especially with an increase or decrease in temperature.

• Rapid heart rate causing great discomfort.