Effects of denervation upon sodium excretion, hydrogen ion, and osmolality in the human kidney

Most of the current knowledge pertaining to the function of denervated kidneys has been obtained from renal allografts. However, little information is available about the functional capacity of the human kidney, immediately before and after denervation, as it occurs during nephrectomy for renal transplantation. The present study was designed with the purpose of evaluating the functional changes of the kidney that occur during donor nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS In six healthy patients with normal renal function, nephrectomy was performed through a flank incision resecting the 12th rib. Balanced general anesthesia with droperidol fentanyl (Innovar) as the main agent was used in all cases. Prior to operation, a catheter was placed in the superior vena cava or right atrium for monitoring central venous pressures. A Foley catheter was also inserted in the bladder. All donor patients received 1000 ml of crystaloid solution, infused at a rate of 125 ml/hr 8 hr prior to anesthesia and 250 ml/hr during the 2 hr before operation.