Since the introduction of infusion fluids, few cases reported the association of these solutions with complications such as hyperkalemia. Severe cases of increased serum potassium progressing to sudden cardiac arrest have been reported with Euro-Collins' solution, seconds after the release of vascular anastomoses.7,8 In a subsequent study, Hirshman noted that immediately after the release of vascular anastomoses, the levels of potassium in blood samples taken from the right atrium could present values abnormally high and that a slow and gradual release of vascular clamps attenuated this effect.