Intestinal complications after cardiopulmonary bypass procedures are infrequent but they carry a significant incidence of morbidity and mortality. Predictors of these complications are not well developed, and the role of fundamental variables remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the frequency of intestinal complications following open heart surgery, to assess preoperative predisposing factors and to elucidate that prompt diagnosis and institution of therapy are the most common factors to improve the outcome.