Analysis of pathological changes in gastroscopy of upper gastrointestinal tract in a group of cardiosurgery patients

Introduction : Nowadays, treatment of cardiovascular system diseases relies on the suppression of activity of the coagulation system, which can decrease the risk of thrombus incidents. Ambulatory treatment relies on drugs which inhibit platelet activity, or the use of oral anticoagulants. Currently, new oral anticoagulants are gaining increasing popularity. Micromolecular heparin is used preoperatively and perioperatively, while heparin is almost always used during cardiac surgery. Erosion or ulcer in the upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) may increase the risk of bleeding from UGIT. The aim of the study was to analyse the prevalence of inflammatory changes in gastroscopy performed before elective cardiac surgery. Conclusions : Inflammatory findings of the upper gastrointestinal tract were observed in more that 50% of patients before cardiac surgery. Preoperative diagnosis and pharmacological preventive protocol reduce the risk of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract.