Renal Failure

Abstract

Most patients who develop acute renal failure after surgery have acute tubular dysfunction caused by hypotension. Other causes include drug toxicity, renal parenchymal disease and obstruction. The appropriate investigations are considered. It is important to support patients with ARF by dialysis or haemofiltration to keep the plasma biochemistry and circulating blood volume as near normal as possible. These techniques allow adequate nutrition to be given. Tubular dysfunction is a potentially reversible condition and patients should survive unless they develop other complications.