Comparison of postoperative renal and hepatic function between desflurane-remifentanil and propofol-remifentanil for nephrectomy

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Choice of anesthetics in patients with a history of nephrectomy is very important for anesthesiologists. It is important for the anesthesiologist to preserve the ipsilateral kidney function and minimize deleterious effects. This study was performed to compare anesthetic agents on postoperative renal and hepatic function in patients who underwent nephrectomy. METHODS: From 2008 to 2012, 116 patients who underwent nephrectomy in our hospital were evaluated through a retrospective study. Anesthesia was maintained with desflurane-remifentanil in the desflurane group (Group D), and propofol-remifentanil, using a target controlled infusion pump (Group T). In order to evaluate postoperative renal and hepatic function, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Cr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was measured preoperatively, postoperative day 1, 3 and 7. RESULTS: When compared to preoperative measures, Cr and BUN levels were elevated on postoperative day 1, 3 and 7 while eGFR was decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups. AST and ALT were also mildly elevated on postoperative day 1, 3 and 7 in both groups. There was also no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia with desflurane-remifentanil or propofol-remifentanil alter postoperative renal and hepatic function with no significant difference between groups. Both desflurane and propofol may be chosen for general anesthesia undergoing nephrectomy patients.