Abstract
Post-operative urinary concentrations of catecholamines were measured for seven days in 23 patients undergoing elective surgery under neuroleptanesthesia. They were divided into three groups ; gastrectomy group (n=8), hysterectomy group (n=8) and hip joint surgery group (n=7).
The urinary concentrations of catecholamines in the recovery room were highest in all groups.
The urinary concentrations of norepinephrine in gastrectomy group were significantly higher than preinduction values for seven post-operative days as compared to those in other groups.
However, post-operative urinary concentrations of epinephrine in all groups were significantly lower than preinduction values in all three groups.
These results suggest that the sympathetic system has been activated at least for seven days after gastrectomy.
