Background Renal protection is an important concerns in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment, and the guidelines for kidney disease have been revised many times by KDIGO. Objective To review the clinical significance and the correlation studies of AKI. Content To review the generation of AKI concept, effects of perioperative anesthesia management on renal function, and the controversy regarding AKI treatment. Trend AKI embodies the concept of clinical prevention and treatment, and it will be benefit to the protection of renal function.