Effect of Intraoperative Fluid Management on Outcome After Intraabdominal Surgery

Abstract

The authors conducted a study to determine the correct management of perioperative fluid in patients undergoing elective intra-abdominal surgery. They evaluated intraoperative fluid regimens on postoperative outcomes in 152 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of I-III. Patients were randomized into two groups with a protocol for “liberal” use of amounts of lactated Ringer's solution (bolus of 10 mL/kg followed by 12 mL/kg per hour) in 75 patients or “restrictive” (no bolus, 4 mL/kg per hour) use in 77. The patients in the restricted group had lower rates of complications (passed flatus and feces significantly sooner) and had shorter hospital stay. The liberal group had larger increases in body weight. The authors concluded that there may be an advantage in the use of restrictive fluid management in patients having elective intra-abdominal procedures because it shorter hospital stay and reduces postoperative morbidity.