Hormonal and hemodynamic changes during percutaneous nephrolithotomy

The aim of this study was to investigate the hormonal and hemodynamic changes during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedure. Twenty-one patients between 15–65 years of age were included in the study. Invasive blood pressure and heart rate were monitored during PCNL. Serum sodium, potassium, BUN and creatinine levels were measured before and after the operation. Sodium and potassium levels were also measured during the operation. Arterial blood gases, renin, aldosterone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels were measured before and during irrigation. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during PCNL compared to post-procedure levels while heart rate remained constant. Serum sodium,potassium bicarbonate and base-excess levels were decreased during the operation compared to the base-line levels (p < 0.001). BUN and creatinine levels remained unchanged during the study (p > 0.05). In conclusion, a tendency to hyponatremia and metabolic acidosis developed in addition to significant increases in renin, aldosterone and ACTH levels during PCNL procedures. These changes may be due to the invasive nature of the intervention to the kidney and the continuous irrigation of this vital organ. This should be taken into consideration during PCNL. More detailed studies with larger groups are needed for more precise comments on this topic. This revised version was published online in September 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of percutaneous nephrolithotomy on thermoregulation.

Hypothermia is a well recognised complication of open surgery. We had observed hypothermia, occasionally followed by rebound hyperthermia in the early post-operative period, in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and therefore decided to monitor patients undergoing this procedure more closely. During a 12-month period, 32 patients were monitored during 38 percutaneous nephrolithotomies; 12 procedures were performed using irrigation fluid at room temperature (22 degrees C) and 26 with fluid warmed to 37 degrees C. Although no statistically significant differences between temperature changes were seen, the most profound temperature falls occurred in patients who received fluid at room temperature. The recovery ward staff observed improved post-operative recovery in patients who had received warmed fluid. Three of the 5 patients who underwent more than 1 percutaneous procedure received fluid at 22 degrees C and fluid at 37 degrees C on separate occasions. In each patient a more profound temperature fall occurred when the cold fluid was used. Only 1 patient, who received cold fluid, developed rebound hyperthermia in the early post-operative period. Warming of irrigation fluid and close monitoring of core temperature may prevent unnecessary morbidity in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy.     

A prospective comparative study of haemodynamic,electrolyte, and metabolic changes during percutaneous nephrolithotomy and minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Objectives

To report the haemodynamic, electrolyte, and metabolic changes of a prospective clinical trial comparing minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for renal stones.

Methods

In all, 71 patients who had undergone MPCNL (37) or PCNL (34) were prospectively assessed. Heart rate and arterial blood pressure were monitored, and samples for electrolyte estimation and arterial blood gas analysis were drawn at the start, 30th, 60th, 90th, and 120th min of irrigation and 24 h later after both procedures.

Results

In the PCNL group, no significant changes occurred in heart rate, arterial blood pressure, electrolytes, and pH. In the MPCNL group, heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and serum sodium levels kept stably during and after irrigation; the decrease in potassium levels was found from the 30th to 120th min of irrigation and did not recovery until 24 h later after operation (P < 0.05), but the potassium levels was normal during the entire observation period; the increase in Cl^? levels was noted at the 120th min of irrigation (P < 0.05); there was a decreasing trend of pH from the start to the 120th min of irrigation (P < 0.05) and 24 h later after operation this trend attenuated (P < 0.05); the changes in base excess levels were in accordance with those in pH levels.

Conclusions

Although haemodynamic and electrolyte changes remains stable, a trend towards metabolic acidosis is obvious as the irrigation time goes by during MPCNL compared with PCNL. Therefore, arterial blood gases should be monitored during and after MPCNL in patients with prolonged irrigation time.     

控液手册联合补偿策略对腹膜透析患者容量状态及残余肾功能的影响

目的探讨控液手册联合补偿策略对腹膜透析患者容量状态及残余肾功能的影响。方法将120例腹膜透析患者按照随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组各60例。对照组给予常规护理,观察组在常规护理基础上应用控液手册联合补偿策略。比较两组干预前、干预6个月后的收缩压、舒张压、体质量、24 h尿量、超滤量、水肿程度、血尿素氮、血肌酐、尿素清除指数、肌酐清除率、肾小球滤过率(eGFR)。结果干预后,观察组收缩压、舒张压、体质量显著低于对照组,尿量显著多于对照组,水肿程度显著轻于对照组,血尿素氮、血肌酐检测值显著低于对照组,尿素清除指数及肾小球滤过率显著高于对照组(P0.05,P0.01)。结论控液手册联合补偿策略有利于改善患者的容量超负荷状况,延缓残余肾功能下降。     

An echocardiographic study of cardiac function in chronic hemodialysis patients

Echocardiography was studied in 83 uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis and 18 normal subjects. Cardiac systolic and diastolic functions were evaluated according to Yamaguchi's method. Systolic functions such as ejection fraction and fractional shortening decreased in the patients receiving hemodialysis for less than 3 months. However, they remained within normal range in the patients under hemodialysis for more than 3 months. There were no significant correlations between systolic functions and mean blood pressure or various serum biochemical parameters such as urea nitrogen, creatinine, Na, K, Ca, P, hematocrit and PTH-C. Diastolic functions such as rapid filling rate/endosystolic volume, mean velocity of circumferential fiber lengthening during rapid filling, diastolic descent rate and diastolic posterior wall velocity also decreased in the patients receiving hemodialysis for less than 3 months. However, they increased slightly in the patients under hemodialysis for more than 3 months, although they were still lower than those in normal subjects. They were not related to mean blood pressure or various serum biochemical parameters. Hemodialysis patients had left ventricular hypertrophy regardless of duration of hemodialysis. Diastolic dysfunction in hemodialysis patients seemed to be due to systolic dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy and diminished ventricular compliance with myocardial degeneration. It was also suggested that increasing slow filling and atrial contraction in diastole might be related to diastolic dysfunction. These cardiac changes may be compensatory reactions of cardiac muscle to various uremic environments such as anemia, hypertension, fluid retention, electrolytes disturbance or uremic toxins.     

In Process Citation

A main basis of this habilitation thesis is the development of a portable, mains-free measurement device for determining breath ethanol concentrations (BrEC) both during spontaneous breathing and in mechanically ventilated patinets undergoing inhalation anaesthesia, for detecting and quantifying irrigation fluid absorbed during endourological surgical interventions. Here a respired gas has to be measured which compared to other usually measured gases 1) is present in substatially smaller concentrations, 2) is subject to significant influences by temperature and humidity in the expired air, and 3) can only be measured discontinuously in the alveolar air due to technical limitations of the sensor. The basis for investigating accuracy of measurement was not just evaluation of the device using different lung models, but also a comparison with the target parameter "absorbed irrigation fluid" using another further-developed reference procedure, i.e. direct measurement of sorbitol and mannitol concentrations in serum. This has the added advantage that even when ethanol monitoring is not available, another laboratory procedure is indeed available for directly evaluating the absorption of irrigation fluid. In the clinical aspects of this thesis, ethanol monitoring helped show that during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in spontaneously breathing patients undergoing regional anaesthesia, irrigation fluid was intravascularly absorbed not more often, but more rapidly and in larger quantities than it was in mechanically ventilated patients undergoing inhalation anaesthesia. A possible reason for this was the significantly reduced central venous pressure observed in the group of patients undergoing regional anaesthesia. The diagnosis of a delayed extravascular absorption of irrigation fluid during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL), made with the assistance of the ethanol monitoring, was associated with a significantly prolonged period of hospitalization in the clinic and an increase in opioid requirements. This finding can be explained pathophysiologically by an increased trauma to the kidney with injury to bordering organ structures. As a result of close co-operation with several departments of the Medical University of Lubeck, we now have at our disposal an excellent BrEC-measuring device for detecting and quantifying absorbed irrigation fluid during urosurgical procedures. The results of the clinical studies presented here underscore the value of the newly-developed AlcoMed 3011.     

Monitoring of irrigation fluid absorption during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy: the use of 1% ethanol as a marker.

This study was performed in 32 ASA I patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotripsy under general anaesthesia, using absorption of 1% ethanol as a marker to monitor irrigation fluid absorption. Various parameters of fluid absorption were studied and compared, including irrigation fluid volume, irrigation time, total volume of irrigation fluid absorbed and the rate of irrigation. The amount of irrigant used vs. the volume absorbed and the volume absorbed vs. total irrigation time were observed. Fluid absorption occurred in 78% of patients, and 28% absorbed volumes in excess of 1 l. The mean volume of fluid absorbed was 696.7 ml. The maximum fluid absorption was observed when the irrigation fluid volume, total irrigation time and irrigation rate exceeded 10 l, 30 min and 200 ml.min(-1), respectively. In conclusion, this study has shown 1% ethanol to be a safe, simple and cost-effective marker of fluid absorption during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy associated with minimal adverse effects.     

Comparison of the effects of sevoflurane and total intravenous anaesthesia in percutaneous nephrolithotomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although percutaneous nephrolithotomy has many advantages over open surgery, some endocrine and haemodynamic responses have been reported. However, the effects of anaesthetic agents on these responses have not previously been reported. This study compared the effects of sevoflurane and total intravenous anaesthesia using propofol and alfentanil on the haemodynamic and hormonal changes during percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: Forty-two ASA I-II patients aged between 15 and 65 yr were studied. Sevoflurane in Group S (21 patients) or TIVA in Group TIVA (21) was used for the maintenance of anaesthesia. Haemodynamic variables and serum concentrations of sodium and potassium were measured before, during and after the procedure. Arterial blood-gas status, plasma renin, aldosterone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone concentrations were measured before and during the procedure. RESULTS: Mean heart rate was lower during percutaneous nephrolithotomy in Group TIVA compared with Group S (P < 0.01). The mean systolic and diastolic arterial pressures were not different in both groups at any stage of measurement (P < 0.05). Plasma renin, aldosterone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone concentrations were increased during percutaneous nephrolithotomy in both groups, but the increase was greater in Group S (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the sevoflurane group, the concentrations of renin, aldosterone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone were significantly higher after 15 min of irrigation compared with the total intravenous anaesthesia group. Although the clinical significance of this difference was not clear, these changes should be considered in certain patient groups.     

Anesthetic considerations during percutaneous nephrolithotomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess anesthesia-related complications during and following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for staghorn stones. DESIGN: Prospective study and a detailed case report. SETTING: Medical center in southern Israel. PATIENTS: 20 consecutive patients undergoing PCNL for staghorn stones. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent PCNL during general anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS: Duration of surgery, esophageal temperature, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and requirements for blood transfusion, mean volume of irrigation fluid, and serum sodium and potassium concentration were recorded. MAIN RESULTS: Mean age was 50.7 +/- 14.9 y (range, 26-76 y). Mean duration of the procedure was 120.0 +/- 42.5 min (range, 75-240 min). Mean volume of irrigation fluid was 34.1 +/- 15.3 L (range, 18-80 L). There was a significant decrease in Hb concentration from 13.7 +/- 1.71 to 12.2 +/- 1.4 g/dL, but no patient required blood transfusion. There was a statistically significant reduction in esophageal temperature from 36.4 degrees C +/- 0.32 degrees C to 35.2 degrees C +/- 0.5 degrees C. There were no significant changes in sodium or potassium concentration before or after PCNL. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia during PCNL for staghorn stones is a challenge because of the possibility of fluid absorption, dilutional anemia, hypothermia, or significant blood loss.     

微通道经皮肾镜取石术中灌注液吸收对机体影响的研究

目的 通过对微通道经皮肾镜取石术(mPNL)手术前后血流动力学、血生化和相关激素的监测,探讨mPNL术中灌注液吸收对机体的影响.方法 2007年1月至2008年2月对128例肾结石或输尿管上段结石患者实施了mPNL.手术前后监测血红蛋白、红细胞压积、血浆渗透压、血电解质、血肌酐及肾素、血管紧张素Ⅱ和醛固酮.术中每30 min动态记录心率、平均动脉压和外周血氧饱和度的变化.结果 术中患者的心率随着灌注时间延长而加快.术毕血浆渗透压、血清Cl-、肾素和血肌酐较术前增高.术毕血红蛋白、红细胞压积、血清K+较术前降低.平均动脉压、外周血氧饱和度、血清Na+、醛固酮和血管紧张素Ⅱ手术前后无明显变化.所有患者无严重并发症发生.结论 mPNL术中液体吸收的量与灌注时间呈正相关.一定量的液体吸收可引起患者血流动力学、血生化及血肾素的变化.     

微创经皮肾穿刺取石术中不同冲洗液温度对患者生命体征的影响

目的探讨微创经皮肾穿刺取石术中冲洗液温度对患者生命体征的影响。方法87例经皮肾镜取石术患者随机分为两组，分别应用室温（21℃-24℃，A组）和等体温（37℃，B组）冲洗液，监测冲洗液温度对中心体温、血压和心率的影响。结果B组术中低体温发生率及心动过缓发生率均低于A组（10％：29．8％，12．5％：27．6％），差异有显著意义（P〈0．01）；B组血压异常发生率（20％）低于A组（23．4％），差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论应用等温冲洗液可有效维持患者术中中心体温及心率，提高微创经皮肾穿刺碎石取石术的安全性。     

Long-term comparison of renal function in patients with solitary kidneys and/or moderate renal insufficiency undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

We compared the long-term effects of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy monotherapy on renal function in 31 patients with a solitary kidney and/or chronic renal insufficiency who were all more than 2 years after treatment (mean 41.5 months). The change in the reciprocal of serum creatinine was used as an index to estimate changes in the glomerular filtration rate. A change of 20% or greater in the glomerular filtration rate was considered a clinically significant deterioration of renal function. The rate of deterioration of renal function in patients with a solitary kidney and creatinine of less than 2 mg./dl. was 22% for ESWL and 29% for percutaneous nephrolithotomy, respectively. All patients with a creatinine between 2 and 3 mg./dl. demonstrated long-term improvement of renal function regardless of the treatment modality. All 4 patients with creatinine greater than 3 mg./dl. undergoing ESWL had short-term improvement but eventual long-term deterioration of renal function. Indeed, 3 of these patients required dialysis within 2 years from the treatment dates. One patient with creatinine greater than 3 mg./dl. who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy demonstrated stabilization of the renal function after treatment. From our data, no convincing evidence could be found to suggest that ESWL results in long-term deterioration of renal function in patients with chronic renal insufficiency or a solitary kidney. We conclude that the choice between ESWL and percutaneous nephrolithotomy should be based on the stone composition, stone location and stone burden, rather than on the preexisting renal function or presence of a solitary kidney.     

冲洗液温度对行经皮肾镜取石术患者的临床疗效及选择素P和E的影响

目的:探讨冲洗液温度对行经皮肾镜取石术患者的临床效果以及选择素P和E的影响。方法:选择2015年5月至2017年5月本院收治的经皮肾镜取石手术患者60例为研究对象,随机分为室温组和温控组,每组30例。室温组患者术中及术后24 h室温为25℃,术中灌洗液不加温;温控组患者术中及术后24 h室温为25℃,术中灌洗液恒温加热...     

Effect of fluid and sodium removal on mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients

Effect of fluid and sodium removal on mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients. BACKGROUND: Adequacy of peritoneal dialysis (PD) traditionally is assessed using Kt/V(urea) and total creatinine clearance (TCC). However, this approach underestimates the importance of fluid and sodium removal. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fluid and sodium removal on morbidity and mortality in PD patients. METHODS: One hundred twenty-five PD patients were monitored for three years from the beginning of the treatment. The effects of demographic features, comorbidity, peritonitis rate, blood pressure, medications, blood biochemistry, peritoneal membrane transport characteristics, residual renal function (RRF), Kt/V(urea), TCC, normalized protein nitrogen appearance (nPNA), and removal of sodium and fluid on mortality were evaluated. Total and cardiovascular hospitalization rates were also recorded. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine factors predicting mortality. RESULTS: In the Cox model, comorbidity, total sodium and fluid removals, hypertensive status, serum creatinine, and RRF were independent factors affecting survival. In contrast, Kt/V(urea) or TCC did not affect the adjusted survivals. Total sodium and fluid removal and hypertensive status also significantly influenced the hospitalization rate. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were negatively correlated with total fluid (P < 0.001) and sodium removal (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Together, these findings suggest that removal of sodium and fluid is a predictor of mortality in PD patients, whereas Kt/V(urea) and TCC are not factors. Adequate fluid and sodium balance is crucial for the management of patients on PD.     

标准通道经皮肾镜取石术在慢性肾功能不全患者中的应用

目的:探讨标准通道经皮肾镜取石术(PCNL)在慢性肾功能不全患者中应用的安全性及有效性。方法:回顾性分析2005年12月～2010年11月行PCNL手术治疗的慢性肾功能不全病例,共92例患者,146次手术,统计手术效果并比较围手术期血肌酐水平、血色素、红细胞压积的变化。结果:一期手术清石率46.7%,总清石率64.1%,出血、术后发热、结石残留是主要并发症;术后与术前比较,血红蛋白、红细胞压积明显降低,具有统计学意义;血肌酐水平无显著性变化。结论:对于慢性肾功能不全患者,标准通道PCNL是安全有效的,手术对肾功能的近期影响不明显。     

Evaluation of fluid absorption during holmium laser enucleation of prostate by breath ethanol technique

PURPOSE: In a prospective manner we studied various factors affecting fluid absorption during HoLEP. We also simultaneously evaluated changes in serum electrolytes and hemoglobin decrease during HoLEP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study comprised of 53 patients who underwent HoLEP at our institute. Irrigation fluid was normal saline tagged with ethanol (1% w/v). Intraoperatively a standard breath analyzer was used to monitor expired breath ethanol levels during the procedure at 10-minute intervals. Patients who absorbed irrigating fluid as indicated by positive intraoperative breath tests were considered absorbers. Serum electrolyte and hemoglobin estimations were done before and after surgery. Total irrigation time, amount of irrigation fluid used, weight of resected tissue and presence of capsular perforation were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to observe the effects of various factors on the amount of intraoperative fluid absorption. RESULTS: Of 53 patients studied 14 (26.41%) demonstrated fluid absorption in the range of 213 to 930 ml (mean 459). Preoperative prostate weight, total irrigation time, amount of irrigation fluid used and resected tissue weight were all significantly greater in absorbers. Similarly, absorbers had a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin level postoperatively. There was no statistically significant change in serum electrolytes between absorbers and nonabsorbers. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative weight of prostate, total irrigation time, amount of irrigation fluid used and weight of resected tissue all directly influence the amount of fluid absorption during HoLEP. There is no significant change in serum electrolytes and no risk of the transurethral resection syndrome.     

厄贝沙坦氢氯噻嗪片在基层医院治疗原发性高血压中的应用价值探讨

目的：探讨厄贝沙坦氢氯噻嗪片在基层医院治疗原发性高血压中的应用价值。方法将2012年8月～2013年9月期间我院收治的原发性高血压患者纳入研究,随机分为给予厄贝沙坦氢氯噻嗪片治疗的观察组和给予厄贝沙坦片治疗的对照组。观察治疗前后的血压水平、血压变异程度以及靶器官功能呢。结果（1）观察组患者的24h平均收缩压、24h平均舒张压、24h平均收缩压变异度、24h平均舒张压变异度均低于对照组;（2）观察组患者的血肌酐、血尿素氮、24h尿蛋白水平均低于对照组,内生肌酐清除率高于对照组;（3）观察组患者的E峰值、E/A比值、LVEF、LVEDD均高于对照组。结论厄贝沙坦氢氯噻嗪片能够更为有效的降低血压、控制血压昼夜变异度、改善肾功能和心功能,临床价值更为显著。     

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy requiring multiple tracts: comparison of morbidity with single-tract procedures

PURPOSE: To compare the morbidity of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) requiring multiple percutaneous tracts with that of procedures requiring a single tract for calculus clearance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from 20 patients undergoing PCNL through two or more percutaneous renal tracts over a 1-year period were compared with a contemporary cohort of 20 patients undergoing PCNL requiring a single tract. The mean stone size was 2157 mm(2) v 423 mm(2) (P < 0.0001), the baseline serum creatinine concentration was 1.67 mg/dL v 1.13 mg/dL (P < 0.05), and the baseline hemoglobin concentration was 11.8 g/dL v 13.4 g/dL (P < 0.05) in the multiple- and single-tract groups, respectively. RESULTS: All single-tract and 95% of multiple-tract patients were rendered stone free. The mean drop in hemoglobin was similar in the two groups (2.3 g/dL for single tract v 2.1 g/dL for multiple tracts; P = 0.55). Complications occurred in two patients in each group. Four multiple-tract patients required blood transfusion. The need for transfusion correlated with lower preoperative hemoglobin and higher preoperative serum creatinine. There was a significant rise in serum creatinine (1.67 mg/dL to 1.91 mg/dL; P < 0.05) and drop in creatinine clearance (76.9 mL/min to 67.2 mL/min; P < 0.05) in the multiple-tract group; this was more pronounced in patients with existing renal insufficiency. No significant change in renal function was seen in the single-tract group. CONCLUSIONS: Monotherapy with PCNL utilizing multiple percutaneous tracts is highly effective in the treatment of staghorn and other large-volume renal calculi. Blood loss and complication rates with such an aggressive approach are comparable to those of PCNL incorporating a single percutaneous tract for more straightforward calculi.     

The effects of irrigation fluid volume and irrigation time on fluid electrolyte balance and hemodynamics in percutaneous nephrolithotripsy

Objective: to determine fluid-electrolyte andhemodynamics changes and complicationsassociated with irrigation fluid volume andtime in percutaneous nephrolithotripsy in that0.9% NaCI was used as irrigant.Methods: Standard anaesthetic procedureswere performed to 6 women and 16 men. Meanarterial pressure, heart rate, central venouspressure, Na⁺, K⁺, osmolality,haemoglobin, haematocrit were recorded before,during and after irrigation every 10 minutes.Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen weredetermined before and after irrigation.Moreover, the operation and irrigation times,irrigation fluid volume, total fluid outputversus input, blood transfusions andcomplications were recorded.Results: Mean arterial pressure, heartrate, central venous pressure, Na⁺,K⁺, osmolality did not changesignificantly during and after irrigation andno relationship was observed between those withirrigation volume and time. Creatinine andblood urea nitrogen values during and afterirrigation did not change significantly versusthose before irrigation. Although no bloodtransfusion was needed for any case during theprocedure, it was necessary for two cases afterthe procedure. One case with pneumothorax thatdeveloped during procedure was treated byinserting a thoracic tube.Conclusion: There were no significantchanges in fluid-electrolyte balance andhemodynamics related to both irrigation fluidvolume and irrigation time when 0.9% NaCI wasused in PNL.     

The effect of dopamine on renal function in solitary partial nephrectomy surgery.

PURPOSE: Dopamine continues to be used for preventing and treating acute renal failure. We determined the effects of dopamine on postoperative renal function in patients with a solitary kidney undergoing partial nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective randomized controlled study at a tertiary care referral center involving 24 patients with a solitary kidney undergoing partial nephrectomy secondary to malignancy. Patients were randomized to receive dopamine (11) [corrected] or no dopamine (13) [corrected]. Intraoperatively those assigned to the dopamine group received a 3 microg./kg. per minute dopamine infusion. Patients in each group received an adequate amount of fluid to maintain good urine production, systemic blood pressure and central venous pressure. Serum electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, serum and urine osmolality, and urine output were measured at baseline, intraoperatively and through postoperative day 4. Preoperatively and postoperatively renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate were measured. RESULTS: In the 2 groups blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine increased postoperatively. Although the degree of this increase showed a trend to be lower in the dopamine group, the difference did not reach statistical significance. There was no difference in renal blood flow or the glomerular filtration rate in the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Administering dopamine to patients with a solitary kidney undergoing partial nephrectomy provided no renoprotective effect.