Preserving renal function in surgical patients

Postoperative acute renal failure, especially associated with oliguria, carries a high rate of mortality and morbidity. This complication can frequently be avoided if physicians are knowledgeable about preventable or modifiable risk factors. Patients who have underlying renal disease, sepsis, volume depletion or other conditions associated with renal hypoperfusion, or who have severe liver disease, are at particular risk. Exposure to nephrotoxic agents and wide fluctuations of intravascular volume are key conditions that can usually be minimized. Managing patients with chronic advanced renal failure (creatinine clearance 10 to 25 ml per minute) requires close interaction between the internists, anesthesiologists and surgeons. Understanding associated metabolic and organ system disorders is necessary to prevent complications and preserve remaining renal function. Chronic renal failure should not be a contraindication to an elective or emergent surgical procedure.