Background and Objective The typical hemodynamic and biochemical characteristics of kidney transplant recipients may influence the pharmacokinetic profile of bupivacaine following its epidural administration. The objective of this study was to test this hypothesis in kidney transplant recipients compared with kidney surgery patients.

Methods In a prospective open comparative study, 10 kidney transplant recipients and 10 kidney surgery patients received bupivacaine by the lumbar epidural route during the course of their operations. Arterial blood sampling was carried out before administration of bupivacaine and at 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 minutes and subsequently at 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours, after its administration.

Results The calculated pharmacokinetic variables did not show any significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusions Lumbar epidural administration of bupivacaine is not associated with higher plasma bupivacaine concentrations in kidney transplant recipients than in nonuremic patients undergoing kidney surgery.