A narrative review of the impact of surgery and anaesthesia on acute kidney injury

Summary The epidemiology of peri‐operative acute kidney injury varies depending on the definition, type of surgery and acute and chronic comorbidities. Haemodynamic instability, disturbance of the microcirculation, endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and tubular cell injury are the main factors contributing to the pathogenesis. There are no specific therapies. The most effective strategies to protect renal function during the peri‐operative period are: the avoidance of nephrotoxic insults; optimisation of haemodynamics; prevention of hypotension; and meticulous fluid management, including avoidance of both hypovolaemia and hypervolaemia. Peri‐operative acute kidney injury is associated with an increased risk of short‐ and long‐term postoperative complications, including a longer stay in hospital, development of premature chronic kidney disease and increased mortality. Resource utilisation and healthcare costs are also higher. In future, the development of advanced clinical prediction scores, new imaging and monitoring techniques and the application of new biomarkers for acute kidney injury have the prospect of identifying acute kidney injury earlier and allowing a more personalised management approach with the aim of reducing the global burden of acute kidney injury.