The predictive factors of surgical outcome were evaluated in compromised patients following cardiovascular surgery. Of 608 patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery between 1991 and 1999, 55 stayed in the intensive care unit for 2 weeks or longer. The mean age of these 55 patients was 56 years. There were 35 survivors and 20 nonsurvivors. Postoperative respiratory failure and gastrointestinal complications were significantly more frequent in those who died. The survival rate was significantly higher in patients who had enteral feeding compared to those who did not (88% versus 43%). Serum cholinesterase and total cholesterol concentrations were higher in the survivors. It was concluded that postoperative respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions influenced the surgical outcome, and serum cholinesterase and total cholesterol concentrations were valuable predictors of survival.