HOMEOSTATIC PROBLEMS IN GENERAL SURGERY.

For electrolyte problems that arise during surgical procedures, the surgeon must be versed in the physiologic function of the organs that play vital roles in homeostasis. Pulmonary and renal evaluation before operation can give forewarning of potential dangers. Hyperaldosteronism, a disease entity influencing electrolytic changes and causing other pathophysiological effects, should be understood by the surgeon. Not only should he understand the causes of dehydration, hyperhydration, metabolic and respiratory acidosis and metabolic and respiratory alkalosis, he should also be able to recognize their deleterious effects clinically, know how to make use of adequate laboratory procedures to substantiate a diagnosis and determine the effect of treatment. The effect of water deficit and water excess, and of deficits and excesses of such ions as sodium, potassium, calcium, carbon dioxide and bicarbonate on the renal, cardiac, pulmonary and neuromuscular systems must be considered.Tetany before or after operation challenges a surgeon's diagnostic acuity. Relying on laboratory tests only, without correlating the results with history and clinical features, may lead to errors in the administration of electrolytic fluids.