Oliguria in surgical patients.

The correction of the various causes of diminished urinary flow is of utmost importance in the preparation of patients with acute surgical conditions for operation. It has been demonstrated that adequate evaluation and correction of these factors are effective in reducing the high mortality accompanying severe trauma, late intestinal obstruction, rupture of an abdominal viscus and other surgical emergencies. The proper use of whole blood, plasma and saline is essential in the correction of hypovolemic states encountered in these conditions. This must be accomplished in most instances before surgical correction of the underlying disease is undertaken. Urinary flow is a valuable guide as to the effectiveness of replacement therapy. Oliguria after operation may result from a continuation of the factors causing the diminution of urinary flow before operation. The treatment used in the correction of the hypovolemia, as well as the surgical procedure, may contribute additional factors productive of a diminished urinary flow in the postoperative period.