ABSTRACT
Deciding what quantity of which intravenous fluid solution to use during major abdominal surgery depends on many factors including the patient’s preoperative condition, the type of surgery, and the duration of surgery. The type of fluid administered will depend on the fluid compartment that requires replenishing, and the amount of fluid given should be directed toward maintaining adequate blood pressure and blood flow. There is increasing evidence that goal-directed fluid therapy improves outcome and reduces the length of hospital stay following major abdominal surgery.
