Perioperative fluid management-Goal Directed Therapy (GDT)

Abstract

Perioperative goal-directed hemodynamic therapy is a protocolized treatment strategy aimed at optimization of global cardiovascular dynamics, including oxygen delivery to tissues and organ perfusion pressure. This is achieved by titrating fluids, vasopressors, and inotropes to predefined physiological target values of hemodynamic variables. Its scope is to reduce complications (acute kidney disease, pulmonary oedema, respiratory distress syndrome, wound infections), decrease major abdominal and systemic postoperative complications, length of stay and postoperative morbidity and mortality mainly in high-risk patients undergoing major surgery. Identifying patients in whom perioperative goal-directed hemodynamic therapy can actually improve postoperative outcomes is crucial. This is a review focusing on all the aspects of GDFT compared to standard fluid therapy during surgery.