Correction of the acid-base balance and postoperative diuresis

The significance of the correction of postoperative acidosis for the kidney's excretory activity has been studied on clinical material. The volume of the urine discharged during the first 24 postoperative hours was significantly increased in patients (corrected group) whose acid-base balance had been restored according to careful calculation. Intensified diuresis in the first 12 hours accounted for 70% of this increase. There was no appreciable difference between the corrected and the noncorrected group concerning specific gravity and pH-value of the urine and serum ionogram. Values of urinary electrolytes, as observed in the corrected group, were not essentially different from the usual postoperative values. It is suggested that the correction has no effect on the hormonal factors influencing postoperative renal functions. Readjustment of the acid-base balance facilitates a quicker normalization of tubular function.