The scores on the PQRS demonstrated an improvement over time, consistent with an expected recovery after surgery and anesthesia, and an ability to discriminate between individuals. Many patients had incomplete recovery by the third postoperative day.

IntroductionSeveral studies have shown that goal-directed hemodynamic and fluid optimization may result in improved outcome. However, the methods used were either invasive or had other limitations. The aim of this study was to perform intraoperative goal-directed therapy with a minimally invasive, easy to use device (FloTrac/Vigileo), and to evaluate possible improvements in patient outcome determined by the duration of hospital stay and the incidence of complications compared to a standard management protocol.MethodsIn this randomized, controlled trial 60 high-risk patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery were included. Patients were allocated into either an enhanced hemodynamic monitoring group using a cardiac index based intraoperative optimization protocol (FloTrac/Vigileo device, GDT-group, n = 30) or a standard management group (Control-group, n = 30), based on standard monitoring data.ResultsThe median duration of hospital stay was significantly reduced in the GDT-group with 15 (12 - 17.75) days versus 19 (14 - 23.5) days (P = 0.006) and fewer patients developed complications than in the Control-group [6 patients (20%) versus 15 patients (50%), P = 0.03]. The total number of complications was reduced in the GDT-group (17 versus 49 complications, P = 0.001).ConclusionsIn high-risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, implementation of an intraoperative goal-directed hemodynamic optimization protocol using the FloTrac/Vigileo device was associated with a reduced length of hospital stay and a lower incidence of complications compared to a standard management protocol.Trial RegistrationClinical trial registration information: Unique identifier: NCT00549419

In patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, a colloid-based (with hydroxyethyl starch [HES] 130/0.4) and a crystalloid-based (with lactated Ringer's solution [RL]) volume replacement regimen was compared regarding tissue oxygen tension (ptiO(2)) measured continuously by microsensoric implantable catheters. The ptiO(2) increased in the HES-treated (+59%) but decreased in the RL-treated (-23%) patients. Improved microcirculation may be the mechanism for the better ptiO(2) in the HES group.

Human albumin (HA) is widely used for volume replacement or correction of hypoalbuminaemia. The value of HA in the clinical setting continues to be controversial, and it is unclear whether in today's climate of cost consciousness, there is still a place for such a highly priced substance. It is therefore appropriate to update our knowledge of the value of HA. With the exception of women in early pregnancy, there appears to be few indications for the use of HA to correct hypovolaemia. Some studies of traumatic brain injury and intensive care patients suggest negative effects on outcome and organ function of (hyperoncotic) HA. Modern synthetic colloids appear to be a cheaper alternative for maintaining colloid oncotic pressure. The value of using HA to correct hypoalbuminaemia has not been clearly justified. Theoretical and pharmacological benefits of HA, such as oxygen radical scavenging or binding of toxic substances, have not as yet been shown to have beneficial clinical consequences. Experimental data from cell lines or animals do not appear to mimic the clinical setting. Convincing data justifying the use of HA either for treating hypovolaemia or for correcting hypoalbuminaemia are still lacking. A restricted use of HA is recommended.

The kind of volume therapy differs widely among the different ICUs. This questionnaire supported the supposition that no standards exist for volume therapy in intensive care patients. New results concerning the abuse of albumin in the critically ill have not yet influenced strategies of volume replacement.

A modified, balanced high-molecular weight HES with a high degree of substitution (Hextend) adversely affected measures of coagulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, whereas a preparation with a low MW and low DS affected these measures of haemostasis less. Large amounts of RL decreased the coagulation time.

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In cardiac surgery patients, CO measured by a new semi-invasive arterial pressure waveform analysis device showed only moderate agreement with intermittent pulmonary artery thermodilution measurement.