How common are life-threatening complications within the first day after cardiac surgery, especially in resource-limited settings? Study Design and Patient PopulationThis retrospective, single-center cohort study analyzed 108 adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass at a national referral hospital in El Salvador between 2017 and 2021. ConclusionEarly postoperative complications after cardiac surgery are frequent in this LMIC cohort, mostly affecting the cardiovascular system. Key pointsEarly complications occurred in 44% of cardiac surgery patients; cardiovascular events were most frequent. Early postoperative complications and risk assessment in cardiac surgery: A cohort study.