Postoperative Renal Failure in the 1970s

Abstract

From Jan 1, 1970, through June 30, 1973, 18 surgical patients developed acute postoperative renal failure (APORF). Nine had undergone cardiac surgery; four, abdominal aneurysm resection; four, emergency gastrointestinal tract surgery; and one excision of an adrenal cyst. Eleven died and seven lived. Two patients did not need hemodialysis and both lived. Sixteen underwent hemodialysis with five survivors. Operative and postoperative diuretics were administered to 14. In eight of the 11 deaths APORF was judged a major factor leading to death. Specific forms of improved patient management may have reduced morbidity and possibly mortality in 14 patients. The benefits of diuretics, used operatively and postoperatively to assure prevention of APORF, seems unclear. The mortality of 61% is compelling argument for seeking alternate and improved methods for preserving renal function during and after surgery.