Relationship of Intravenous Fluid Therapy to Electrolyte Imbalance in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeries

Abstract

Management of Electrolyte imbalance is a known entity in post operative period and a very crucial part in early recovery of post operative patients. There have been studies regarding post operative electrolyte imbalance but the relationship with intravenous fluid (IVF) is not studied in detail. This study basically focuses on the anticipation of electrolyte imbalance and relation with the IVF used. In this study post operative electrolytes specifically in upper Gastrointestinal (GI) surgeries have been considered as there are very few studies dealing specifically with electrolyte imbalance in upper GI surgeries I. Background Management of electrolyte imbalance is a known entity in post operative period and a very crucial part in early recovery of post operative patients. Intravenous fluid administration is an essential part of pre and post operative care and plays an important role in early recovery of patient and reducing the post operative complications associated. All surgical patients are at risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances. It increases when a patient undergoes intestinal surgery, because of the role of the gastrointestinal system in supplying the body with water and electrolytes. 1 Patients with the above mentioned criteria were monitored for electrolyte imbalances were observed on daily basis till patients were started on orals or weaned off from IVF. Changes in sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate were noted separately. Each of the patient included in the study was followed up to observe IVF given during the post operative period, potassium supplementation grouped separately. This was an observational study only and no interventions were done. However it was not a blind study and the doctors managing these patients were aware of the imbalances which occurred.