Excessive antidiuretic hormone secretion after radical cystectomy

Perioperative plasma antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) levels were determined in 8 patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Marked elevations of antidiuretic hormone were noted immediately postoperatively in all patients and these levels persisted for 48 hours. Plasma antidiuretic hormone was elevated beyond the physiological levels needed for maintenance of intravascular volume and osmolarity. Excessive antidiuretic hormone secretion is common after radical cystectomy and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative oliguria in these patients.