Goal-directed Therapy Research Articles

Impact of transesophageal echocardiography dynamic monitoring of left ventricular preload on postoperative gastrointestinal function in colorectal cancer patients undergoing radical surgery.

Patients undergoing intestinal tumour surgery are fasted preoperatively for a series of bowel preparations, which makes it difficult to assess the patients' volume, posing a challenge to intraoperative fluid replacement. Besides, inappropriate fluid therapy can cause organ damage and affect the prognosis of patients, and it increases the burden of patients and has a certain impact on patients and families. The authors designed a single-centre, prospective, single-blinded, randomized, parallel-controlled trial. Fifty-four patients undergoing elective radical resection of colorectal cancer were selected and divided into two groups according to whether transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used or not during the operation, that is the goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) group (group T) guided by TEE and the restrictive fluid therapy group (group C). Fluid replacement was guided according to left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI) in group T and according to restrictive fluid replacement regimen in group C. The first postoperative exhaust time and defecation time in group T [(45±21), (53±24) h] were significantly shorter (P<0.05) than those in group C [(63±26), (77±30) h]. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in liquid intake time and postoperative nausea and vomiting incidences between the two groups. The total intraoperative fluid volume in group T was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that in group C. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in urine volume between the two groups. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in lactate content, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate at various time points between the two groups. The length of hospital stay in group C [(18±4) days] was significantly longer (P<0.05) than that in group T [(15±4) days]. For patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery, fluid therapy by monitoring LVEDVI resulted in faster recovery of gastrointestinal function and shorter hospital stay.

Fluid therapy and pulmonary complications in abdominal surgeries: randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThere is no consensus on the most effective strategy for Postoperative Pulmonary Complication (PPC) reduction. This study hypothesized that a Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy (GDFT) protocol of infusion of predetermined boluses reduces the occurrence of PPC in patients undergoing elective open abdominal surgeries when compared with Standard of Care (SOC) strategy. MethodsRandomized, prospective, controlled study, conducted from May 2012 to December 2014, with ASA I, II or III patients undergoing open abdominal surgeries, lasting at least 120 min, under general anesthesia, randomized into the SOC and the GDFT group. In the SOC, fluid administration was according to the anesthesiologist's discretion. In the GDFT, the intervention protocol, based on bolus infusion according to blood pressure and delta pulse pressure, was applied. Patients were postoperatively evaluated by an anesthesiologist blinded to the group allocation regarding PPC incidence, mortality, and Length of Hospital Stay (LOHS). ResultsForty-two patients in the SOC group and 43 in the GDFT group. Nineteen patients (45%) in the SOC and 6 in the GDFT (14%) had at least one PPC (p = 0.003). There was no difference in mortality or LOHS between the groups. Among the patients with PPC, four died (25%), compared to two deaths in patients without PPC (3%) (p = 0.001). The LOHS had a median of 14.5 days in the group with PPC and 9 days in the group without PPC (p = 0.001). ConclusionThe GDFT protocol resulted in a lower rate of PPC; however, the LOHS and mortality did not reduce.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients with colorectal cancer: A randomized controlled study comparing goal-directed and conventional fluid therapy.

To investigate the impact of goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients with colorectal cancer, we conducted a randomized controlled trial. Eighty elderly patients who underwent elective laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer were randomly assigned to either the GDFT group or the conventional fluid therapy group. The primary outcome was the incidence of POCD during the initial 7 postoperative days, while secondary outcomes included inflammatory marker levels such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and S100β protein, hemodynamics, level of lactic acid, postoperative functional recovery, and complications. Among 88 randomized patients, 80 were evaluable for the primary outcome. The incidence of POCD was significantly lower in the GDFT group (15.0%) compared to the conventional fluid therapy group (30.0%), with the highest occurrence observed on day 3 postoperatively in both groups (P < 0.05). IL-6 and S100β concentrations were consistently lower in the GDFT group than in the conventional fluid therapy group at the corresponding time points (P < 0.05). The GDFT group exhibited more stable perioperative hemodynamics and lower lactate levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, patients in the GDFT group exhibited better postoperative functional recovery indicators and a lower incidence of postoperative complications (P < 0.05). In summary, GDFT appears to reduce the incidence of early POCD, accelerate postoperative recovery, and enhance overall prognosis.

Ultrasound-Guided Goal-Directed Therapy in the Critically Ill Patient

Ultrasound-Guided Goal-Directed Therapy in the Critically Ill Patient

Comparison of Dynamic Measures in Intraoperative Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy of Patients with Morbid Obesity Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

IntroductionObesity increases the risk of morbidity and mortality during surgical procedures. Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) is a new concept for perioperative fluid management that has been shown to improve patient prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the role of the Pleth Variability Index (PVI), systolic pressure variation (SPV), and pulse pressure variation (PPV) in maintaining tissue perfusion and renal function during GDFT management in patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).Materials and MethodsTwo hundred ten patients were enrolled in our prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Demographic data, hemodynamic parameters, biochemical parameters, the amount of crystalloid and colloid fluid administered intraoperatively, and the technique of goal-directed fluid management used were recorded. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: PVI (n = 70), PPV (n = 70), and SPV (n = 70), according to the technique of goal-directed fluid management. Postoperative nausea and vomiting, time of return of bowel movement, and hospital stay duration were recorded.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the number of crystalloids administered in all three groups. However, the amount of colloid administered was statistically significantly lower in the SPV group than in the PVI group, and there was no significant difference in the other groups. Statistically, there was no significant difference between the groups in plasma lactate, blood urea, and creatinine levels.ConclusionIn LSG, dynamic measurement techniques such as PVI, SPV, and PPV can be used in patients with morbid obesity without causing intraoperative and postoperative complications. PVI may be preferred over other invasive methods because it is noninvasive.Graphical abstract

Do Laparoscopic Colorectal Procedures Need Fluid Optimization?

BACKGROUND: Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) with hemodynamic monitoring may not be of benefit to all elective patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, particularly those managed in enhanced recovery after surgery protocols (ERAS) setting. AIMS: We predicted different fluid and vasoactive drug consumption during the procedure and less complications in the group of patients, where invasive hemodynamic monitoring was used. METHODS: Two groups of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery were compared: A control group (CG), with standard hemodynamic monitoring, and a study group, (SG) with invasive hemodynamic monitoring and appropriate intraoperative interventions. We compared differences in intraoperative fluid consumption, length of hospital stay (LOS) and post-operative morbidity. RESULTS: A group of 29 patients in SG had similar average intraoperative fluid balance (+438 mL) as 27 patients in CG (+345 mL) p = 0.432. Average LOS was 8 days (±4) in SG and 6 days (±1) in CG (p = 0.124). Acute renal failure, anastomotic dehiscence, and indication for antibiotic treatment were predictors of statistically significant prolongation of hospital stay 3rd day after surgery, but independent of SG. CONCLUSION: Since no differences between the groups were shown in overall fluid and vasoactive drug consumption, we conclude that GDFT is not needed in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, when ERAS is followed.

Clinical study: the impact of goal-directed fluid therapy on volume management during enhanced recovery after surgery in gastrointestinal procedures.

Background: Goal-directed fluid therapy, as a crucial component of accelerated rehabilitation after surgery, plays a significant role in expediting postoperative recovery and enhancing the prognosis of major surgical procedures. Methods: In line with this, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of target-oriented fluid therapy on volume management during ERAS protocols specifically for gastrointestinal surgery. Patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery at our hospital between October 2019 and May 2021 were selected as the sample population for this research. Results: 41 cases of gastrointestinal surgery patients were collected from our hospital over 3 recent years. Compared with T1, MAP levels were significantly increased from T2 to T5; cardiac output (CO) was significantly decreased from T2 to T3, and significantly increased from T4 to T5; and SV level was significantly increased from T3 to T5. Compared with T2, HR and cardiac index (CI) were significantly elevated at T1 and at T3-T5. Compared with T3, SVV was significantly decreased at T1, T2, T4, and T5; CO and stroke volume (SV) levels were increased significantly at T4 and T5. In this study, pressor drugs were taken for 23days, PACU residence time was 40.22 ± 12.79min, time to get out of bed was 12.41 ± 3.97h, exhaust and defecation time was 18.11 ± 7.52h, and length of postoperative hospital stay was 4.47 ± 1.98days. The average HAMA score was 9.11 ± 2.37, CRP levels were 10.54 ± 3.38mg/L, adrenaline levels were 132.87 ± 8.97ng/L, and cortisol levels were 119.72 ± 4.08ng/L. Prealbumin levels were 141.98 ± 10.99mg/L at 3d after surgery, and 164.17 ± 15.84mg/L on the day of discharge. Lymphocyte count was 1.22 ± 0.18 (109/L) at 3d after surgery, and 1.47 ± 0.17 (109/L) on the day of discharge. Serum albumin levels were 30.51 ± 2.28 (g/L) at 3d after surgery, and 33.52 ± 2.07 (g/L) on the day of discharge. Conclusion: Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) under the concept of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is helpful in volume management during radical resection of colorectal tumors, with good postoperative recovery. Attention should be paid to the influence of pneumoperitoneum and intraoperative posture on GDFT parameters.

Update on the pathophysiology and management of acute trauma hemorrhage and trauma-induced coagulopathy based upon viscoelastic testing.

Uncontrolled hemorrhage and trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) are the two predominant causes of preventable death after trauma. Early control of bleeding sources and rapid detection, characterization and management of TIC have been associated with improved outcomes. However, recent surveys confirm vast heterogeneity in the clinical diagnosis and management of hemorrhage and TIC from acute trauma, even in advanced trauma centers. In addition, conventional coagulation assays, although still used frequently during the early assessment of bleeding trauma patients, have their limitations. This narrative review highlights the clinical value of rapid point-of-care viscoelastic testing for the early diagnosis and individualized goal-directed therapy in bleeding trauma patients with TIC.

Identification of a hyperinflammatory sepsis phenotype using protein biomarker and clinical data in the ProCESS randomized trial

Sepsis is a heterogeneous syndrome and phenotypes have been proposed using clinical data. Less is known about the contribution of protein biomarkers to clinical sepsis phenotypes and their importance for treatment effects in randomized trials of resuscitation. The objective is to use both clinical and biomarker data in the Protocol-Based Care for Early Septic Shock (ProCESS) randomized trial to determine sepsis phenotypes and to test for heterogeneity of treatment effect by phenotype comparing usual care to protocolized early, goal-directed therapy(EGDT). In this secondary analysis of a subset of patients with biomarker sampling in the ProCESS trial (n = 543), we identified sepsis phenotypes prior to randomization using latent class analysis of 20 clinical and biomarker variables. Logistic regression was used to test for interaction between phenotype and treatment arm for 60-day inpatient mortality. Among 543 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock in the ProCESS trial, a 2-class model best fit the data (p = 0.01). Phenotype 1 (n = 66, 12%) had increased IL-6, ICAM, and total bilirubin and decreased platelets compared to phenotype 2 (n = 477, 88%, p < 0.01 for all). Phenotype 1 had greater 60-day inpatient mortality compared to Phenotype 2 (41% vs 16%; p < 0.01). Treatment with EGDT was associated with worse 60-day inpatient mortality compared to usual care (58% vs. 23%) in Phenotype 1 only (p-value for interaction = 0.05). The 60-day inpatient mortality was similar comparing EGDT to usual care in Phenotype 2 (16% vs. 17%). We identified 2 sepsis phenotypes using latent class analysis of clinical and protein biomarker data at randomization in the ProCESS trial. Phenotype 1 had increased inflammation, organ dysfunction and worse clinical outcomes compared to phenotype 2. Response to EGDT versus usual care differed by phenotype.

Pulse pressure variation guided goal-direct fluid therapy decreases postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe use of goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been shown to reduce complications and improve prognosis in high-risk abdominal surgery patients. However, the utilization of pulse pressure variation (PPV) guided GDFT in laparoscopic surgery remains a subject of debate. We hypothesized that utilizing PPV guidance for GDFT would optimize short-term prognosis in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection for colorectal cancer compared to conventional fluid therapy.MethodsElderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer were randomized to receive either PPV guided GDFT or conventional fluid therapy and explore whether PPV guided GDFT can optimize the short-term prognosis of elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer compared with conventional fluid therapy.ResultsThe incidence of complications was significantly lower in the PPV group compared to the control group (32.8% vs. 57.1%, P = .009). Additionally, the PPV group had a lower occurrence of gastrointestinal dysfunction (19.0% vs. 39.3%, P = .017) and postoperative pneumonia (8.6% vs. 23.2%, P = .033) than the control group.ConclusionUtilizing PPV as a monitoring index for GDFT can improve short-term prognosis in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer.Registration numberChiCTR2300067361; date of registration: January 5, 2023.

The Effect of Implementing the Sepsis Early Goal-Directed Therapy (EGDT) Protocol on Patient Mortality in the Hospital ICU in Cairo, Egypt

Introduction: Sepsis is a life-threatening systemic inflammatory syndrome with a high mortality rate. Early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) is a structured therapy protocol that aims to improve tissue perfusion and oxygenation in sepsis patients.&#x0D; Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed data on sepsis patients in the ICU of a Cairo hospital, Egypt (2020-2023). Patient mortality was compared before and after the implementation of the EGDT protocol.&#x0D; Results: Of the 220 sepsis patients, 120 were treated before and 100 after EGDT implementation. Patient mortality in the EGDT group was significantly lower (12% vs 25%, p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Implementation of the EGDT protocol can reduce the mortality of sepsis patients in the hospital ICU in Cairo, Egypt.

Feasibility of Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy in Patients with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - An Ambispective Analysis.

Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been shown to reduce postoperative complications. The feasibility of GDFT in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients under general anesthesia has not yet been demonstrated. We examined whether GDFT could be applied in patients undergoing TAVR in general anesthesia and its impact on outcomes. Forty consecutive TAVR patients in the prospective intervention group with GDFT were compared to 40 retrospective TAVR patients without GDFT. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, elective TAVR in general anesthesia, no participation in another interventional study. Exclusion criteria were lack of ability to consent study participation, pregnant or nursing patients, emergency procedures, preinterventional decubitus, tissue and/or extremity ischemia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease grade IV, atrial fibrillation or other severe heart rhythm disorder, necessity of usage of intra-aortic balloon pump. Stroke volume and stroke volume variation were determined with uncalibrated pulse contour analysis and optimized according to a predefined algorithm using 250 ml of hydroxyethyl starch. Stroke volume could be increased by applying GDFT. The intervention group received more colloids and fewer crystalloids than control group. Total volume replacement did not differ. The incidence of overall complications as well as intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were comparable between both groups. GDFT was associated with a reduced incidence of delirium. Duration of anesthesia was shorter in the intervention group. Duration of the interventional procedure did not differ. GDFT in the intervention group was associated with a reduced incidence of postinterventional delirium.

Sociodemographic Factors are Associated with Care Delivery and Outcomes in Pediatric Severe Sepsis.

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and disparate outcomes exist between racial/ethnic groups despite improvements in sepsis management. These observed differences are often related to social determinants of health (SDoH). Little is known about the role of SDoH on outcomes in pediatric sepsis. This study examined the differences in care delivery and outcomes in children with severe sepsis based on race/ethnicity and neighborhood context (as measured by the social vulnerability index). This retrospective, cross-sectional study was completed in a quaternary care children's hospital. Patients 18 years old or younger who were admitted between May 1, 2018, and February 28, 2022, met the improving pediatric sepsis outcomes (IPSO) collaborative definition for severe sepsis. Composite measures of social vulnerability, care delivery, and clinical outcomes were stratified by race/ethnicity. The primary outcome of interest was admission to the PICU. Secondary outcomes were sepsis recognition and early goal-directed therapy (EGDT). A total of 967 children met the criteria for IPSO-defined severe sepsis, of whom 53.4% were White/non-Hispanic. Nearly half of the cohort (48.7%) required PICU admission. There was no difference in illness severity at PICU admission by race (1.01 vs. 1.1, p = 0.18). Non-White race/Hispanic ethnicity was independently associated with PICU admission (odds ratio [OR] 1.35 [1.01-1.8], p = 0.04). Although social vulnerability was not independently associated with PICU admission (OR 0.95 [0.59-1.53], p = 0.83), non-White children were significantly more likely to reside in vulnerable neighborhoods (0.66 vs. 0.38, p < 0.001). Non-White race was associated with lower sepsis recognition (87.8% vs. 93.6%, p = 0.002) and less EGDT compliance (35.7% vs. 42.8%, p = 0.024). Non-White race/ethnicity was independently associated with PICU admission. Differences in care delivery were also identified. Prospective studies are needed to further investigate these findings.

Plethysmography variation index versus pulse pressure variation as an indicator of fluid responsiveness in colorectal surgeries during immediate postoperative period

ABSTRACT Background During major abdominal surgery, goal-directed fluid therapy may lessen postoperative morbidity. It has been demonstrated that the Plethysmography Variability Index (PVI), which is generated from the pulse oximeter waveform, can predict fluid responsiveness in a variety of surgical settings. Pulse pressure variation (PPV), one of the indicators of fluid responsiveness, has received the most research attention and clinical application of all the indicators. Through arterial cannulation, primarily the radial artery, pulse pressure fluctuation is recorded. The cyclic variations in intrathoracic pressure have less of an immediate impact on pulse pressure than they do on systolic pressure. In this study, sedated, intubated, mechanically ventilated patients admitted for postoperative resuscitation in our surgical ICU following colorectal surgeries had their fluid responsiveness assessed using the Plethysmography Variation Index (PVI) and the Pulse Pressure Variation (PPV) to compare their effectiveness and reliability.

Goal-directed fluid therapy guided by plethysmographic variability index versus conventional liberal fluid therapy in neonates undergoing abdominal surgery: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

Intraoperative fluid therapy maintains normovolemia, normal tissue perfusion, normal metabolic function, normal electrolytes, and acid-base status. Plethysmographic variability index has been shown to predict fluid responsiveness but its role in guiding intraoperative fluid therapy is still elusive. The aim of the present study was to compare intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy based on plethysmographic variability index with liberal fluid therapy in term neonates undergoing abdominal surgeries. A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary care centre, over a period of 18 months. A total of 30 neonates completed the study out of 132 neonates screened. Neonates with tracheoesophageal fistula, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, congenital heart disease, respiratory disorders, creatinine clearance <90 mL/min and who were hemodynamically unstable were excluded. Neonates were randomized to goal-directed fluid therapy group where the plethysmographic variability index was targeted at <18 or liberal fluid therapy group. Primary outcome was comparison of total amount of fluid infused intraoperatively in both the groups. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative arterial blood gas parameters, biochemical parameters, use of vasopressors, number of fluid boluses, complications and duration of hospital stay. There was no significant difference in total intraoperative fluid infused [90 (84-117.5 mL) in goal-directed fluid therapy and 105 (85.5-144.5 mL) in liberal fluid therapy group (p = .406)], median difference (95% CI) -15 (-49.1 to 19.1). There was a decrease in serum lactate levels in both groups from preoperative to postoperative 24 h. The amount of fluid infused before dopamine administration was significantly higher in liberal fluid therapy group (58 [50.25-65 mL]) compared to goal-directed fluid therapy group (36 [22-44 mL], p = .008), median difference (95% CI) -22 (-46 to 2). In postoperative period, the total amount of fluid intake over 24 h was comparable in two groups (222 [204-253 mL] in goal-directed fluid therapy group and 224 [179.5-289.5 mL] in liberal fluid therapy group, p = .917) median difference (95% CI) cutoff -2 (-65.3 to 61.2). Intraoperative plethysmographic variability index-guided goal-directed fluid therapy was comparable to liberal fluid therapy in terms of total volume of fluid infused in neonates during perioperative period. More randomized controlled trials with higher sample size are required. Central Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2020/02/023561).

Pulmonary Vein Flow Morphology After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair as Predictor of Survival

Data on the prognostic factors after mitral valve (MV) transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER;MV-TEER) are limited. Pulsed-wave Doppler interrogation of pulmonary vein flow (PVF) is a convenient method to assess the hemodynamic burden of residual mitral regurgitation (MR), which could be of utility as a predictor of outcomes. Patients that underwent MV-TEER between May 2014 and December 2021 at our institution were evaluated. Pulmonary vein flow patterns post-MV-TEER were reviewed on the procedural transesophageal echocardiogram and classified as normal (systolic dominant or codominant) or abnormal (systolic blunting or reversal). The PVF pattern was correlated with all-cause mortality at follow-up. Two-hundred sixty-five patients had diagnostic PVF post-MV-TEER, with 73 (27.5%) categorized as normal and 192 (72.5%) categorized as abnormal. Patients with abnormal PVF morphology were more likely to have atrial fibrillation (70% vs 42%, P<.001) and greater than moderate residual MR (16% vs 3%, P=.01) and had higher mean left atrial pressure (18.1±5.0 vs 15.9±4.2mm Hg, P=.002) and left atrial V wave (26.6±8.5 vs 21.4±7.3mm Hg, P<.001) postprocedure. In multivariable analysis, abnormal PVF morphology post-MV-TEER was independently associated with mortality at follow-up (hazard ratio= 1.70; 95% CI, 1.06-2.74; P=.03) after correction for end-stage renal disease, atrial fibrillation, and residual MR. Results were similar in subgroups of patients with moderate or less and those with mild or less residual MR. Pulmonary vein flow morphology is a simple and objective tool to assess MR severity immediately post-MV-TEER and offers important prognostic information to optimize procedural results. Additional studies are needed to determine whether patients with abnormal PVF pattern post-MV-TEER would benefit from more intensive goal-directed medical therapy postprocedure.

The impact of goal-directed fluid therapy on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pulmonary complications after thoracic surgery are common and associated with significant morbidity and high cost of care. Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) could reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and facilitate recovery in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. However, whether GDFT could reduce the incidence of PPCs in patients undergoing thoracic surgery was unclear. The present meta-analysis was designed to assess the impact of Goal-directed Fluid Therapy on PPCs in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing GDFT with other conventional fluid management strategies in adult patients undergoing thoracic surgery were identified. Databases searched included PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Review Manager 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) software was used for statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was analyzed using I2 statistics, and a standardized mean difference with 95% CI and P value was used to calculate the treatment effect for outcome variables. The primary study outcomes were the incidence of PPCs. Secondary outcomes were the total volume infused, the length of hospitalization, the incidence of cardiac complications, and the incidence of renal dysfunction. Subgroup analysis was planned to verify the definite role of GDFT. A total of 6 RCTs consisting of 680 patients were included in this meta-analysis, which revealed that GDFT did not reduce the incidence of PPCs in patients undergoing thoracic surgery (RR, 0.57; 95% CI 0.29-1.14). However, GDFT decreased the total intra-operative fluid input (MD, - 244.40ml; 95% CI - 397.06 to - 91.74). There was no statistical difference in the duration of hospitalization (MD; - 1.31, 95% CI - 3.00 to 0.38), incidence of renal dysfunction (RR, 0.62; 95% CI 0.29-1.35), and incidence of cardiac complications (RR, 0.62; 95% CI 0.27-1.40). The results of this meta-analysis indicate that GDFT did not reduce the postoperative incidence of pulmonary complications in individuals undergoing thoracic surgery. However, considering the small number of contributing studies, these results should be interpreted with caution.

Early experience with baroreflex activation therapy from a vascular surgery perspective

Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) is an emerging device-based treatment for patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction refractory to maximally tolerated goal-directed medical therapy. Currently, there is sparse literature on the critical role that vascular surgeons serve in the delivery of this novel therapy. This single-institution series describes the creation of a BAT program and elaborates on the function of vascular surgeons in the multidisciplinary heart failure team. The preoperative evaluation, perioperative care, and postoperative course of patients receiving BAT from March 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Eleven patients were evaluated by a dedicated heart failure cardiologist for medical eligibility and assessed by a vascular surgeon for technical feasibility. Of the 11 patients, 7 were men (63.6%). The median age was 60.5 years (range, 44-73 years). No patient (0.00%) had existing carotid artery disease, and one patient (9.1%) had undergone previous neck radiation therapy. All 11 patients (100%) had an existing cardiac implantable electronic device, and BAT implantation was performed on the same side as the cardiac implantable electronic device in two patients (18.1%). Four patients (36.4%) required preoperative hospital admission for medical optimization before surgery. The median length of surgery was 82 minutes (range, 58-113 minutes), and the median length of stay in the hospital after surgery was 1 day (range, 0-6 days). No major adverse neurologic or cardiovascular events, cranial nerve injuries, device complications requiring reintervention, or heart failure-related mortality at 6 months occurred. Three patients (27.3%) experienced extraneous stimulations, which affected BAT tolerability. Within 6 months after BAT implantation, no significant improvements were observed for several heart failure disease burden markers compared with 6 months before BAT implantation. Our early results demonstrate that BAT implantation is a safe procedure with rare complications. Vascular surgeons play an important role in the multidisciplinary delivery of this novel device-based therapy. More data are needed to understand whether BAT is beneficial in the treatment of heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction refractory to maximally tolerated goal-directed medical therapy.

Perioperative Fluid Management in Colorectal Surgery: Institutional Approach to Standardized Practice

The present review discusses restrictive perioperative fluid protocols within enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways. Standardized definitions of a restrictive or liberal fluid regimen are lacking since they depend on conflicting evidence, institutional protocols, and personal preferences. Challenges related to restrictive fluid protocols are related to proper patient selection within standardized ERAS protocols. On the other hand, invasive goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) is reserved for more challenging disease presentations and polymorbid and frail patients. While the perfusion rate (mL/kg/h) appears less predictive for postoperative outcomes, the authors identified critical thresholds related to total intravenous fluids and weight gain. These thresholds are discussed within the available evidence. The authors aim to introduce their institutional approach to standardized practice.

Can perioperative pCO2 gaps predict complications in patients undergoing major elective abdominal surgery randomized to goal-directed therapy or standard care? A secondary analysis

The difference between venous and arterial carbon dioxide pressure (pCO2 gap), has been used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool. We aimed to assess whether perioperative pCO2 gaps can predict postoperative complications. This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter RCT comparing goal-directed therapy (GDT) to standard care in which 464 patients undergoing high-risk elective abdominal surgery were included. Arterial and central venous blood samples were simultaneously obtained at four time points: after induction, at the end of surgery, at PACU/ICU admission, and PACU/ICU discharge. Complications within the first 30 days after surgery were recorded. Similar pCO2 gaps were found in patients with and without complications, except for the pCO2 gap at the end of surgery, which was higher in patients with complications (6.0 mmHg [5.0–8.0] vs. 6.0 mmHg [4.1–7.5], p = 0.005). The area under receiver operating characteristics curves for predicting complications from pCO2 gaps at all time points were between 0.5 and 0.6. A weak correlation between ScvO2 and pCO2 gaps was found for all timepoints (ρ was between − 0.40 and − 0.29 for all timepoints, p < 0.001). The pCO2 gap did not differ between GDT and standard care at any of the selected time points. In our study, pCO2 gap was a poor predictor of major postoperative complications at all selected time points. Our research does not support the use of pCO2 gap as a prognostic tool after high-risk abdominal surgery. pCO2 gaps were comparable between GDT and standard care. Clinical trial registration Netherlands Trial Registry NTR3380.