Effects of Dextran on Postoperative Renal Function Measured by a Single Injection Clearance Method

Abstract

Effects of dextran infusion on postoperative renal function were studied by determination of the glomerular filtration rate with ¹³⁵I-iothalamate and effective renal plasma flow with ¹³¹I-hippuran clearance, using a single injection technique. After cholecystectomy a decrease in renal plasma flow was observed in control patients. Infusion of dextran during the operaüon did not abolish this decrease in renal plasma flow. The glomerular filtration rate was fairly constant in both groups of patients. According to the present results, dextran infusion during the performance of a standard abdominal operation does not offer any advantage over the use of crystalloid solutions from the point of view of renal function.