[Aspects of the treatment of postoperative oliguria]

The importance and differential diagnosis of postoperative oliguria are discussed. A plea is made for the recognition of undesired postoperative antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion as a separate entity in the aetiology of postoperative oliguria. Five patients are described who suffered from postoperative oliguria and in whom the diagnosis of undesired ADH secretion was made. The successful treatment of this condition with diphenylhydantoin is emphasized.