Plasma phosphate and red cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate following abdominal surgery

Changes in plasma phosphate have been serially examined in 20 patients undergoing uncomplicated abdominal surgery. These studies confirm previous reports that a fall in plasma phosphate occurs in the postoperative period, but this does not appear to be metabolically deleterious to the patient since it is not accompanied by a significant concomitant fall in red cell 2,3-DPG. These investigations form a basis for studies in complicated patients and serve to refute the suggestion that phosphate supplements should be added to all routine postoperative infusions.