This study was designed to evaluate the operative outcome of dialysis patients undergoing cardiac surgery. A retrospective review was performed of 28 consecutive patients with end-stage renal disease dependent on maintenance hemodialysis (n = 26) or peritoneal dialysis (n = 2) who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The operations included isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n = 21), aortic valve replacement (n = 4) and CABG plus aortic valve replacement (n = 3). Seven operations were emergent or urgent. In 23 patients, a heparin-coated (HC) circuit with reduced systemic heparinization was used for CPB. The hospital mortality was 7.1%. Complications occurred in 13 patients (46%). Although thoracotomy for bleeding was required in 3 patients, only 1 had undergone CPB with an HC circuit. There were 7 late deaths. All survivors showed improvement in symptoms and overall functional status. The actuarial survival rates were 78% and 58% at 1 and 4 years, respectively. In the 10 patients with diabetes mellitus, the 4-year survival rate was 50%. In the patients who underwent non-elective surgery, the survival rate was 29%. Cardiac surgery can be performed with increased but acceptable mortality in dialysis patients. Good symptomatic relief can be expected. Surgery should be performed before the general condition deteriorates.