Goal directed fluid therapy reduces major complications in elective surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm: liberal versus restrictive strategies

Background
Optimal fluid management is crucial for patients undergoing surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Persistent hypovolemia is associated with complications but fluid overload is also harmful.
Aim
This study evaluates that perioperative fluid restriction would reduce complications and improve outcome through goal-directed strategies in patients undergoing AAA.
Methods
Fifty patients, aged from 60 to 75 years undergoing elective surgical repair of AAA were included in this randomized study. Patients were divided into two groups, 25 for each: liberal group (L) receives 12 ml/kg/h and restrictive group (R) receives 4 ml/kg/h. Goal-directed-therapy approach was concerning assessment of tissue oxygenation. Dobutamine and fluid challenges were used to maintain adequate tissue perfusion during surgery.
Results
The patients of the (L) group received a significant greater amount of Lactated Ringer’s solution (3586.76 ± 473.21) than the (R) group (1219 ± 140.6). The (R) group had 50% lower rate of major postoperative complications than the (L) group (24% vs 48%) and less hospital stay.
Conclusion
A restrictive strategy of fluid maintenance during optimization of oxygen delivery with early treatment directed to maintain oxygen extraction ratio estimate (OERe) at <27% reduces major complications and hospital stay of surgical patients undergo abdominal aortic aneurysm.