Goal-directed fluid management associates with fewer postoperative fluid collections in pancreatoduodenectomy patients

The association between perioperative fluid management and complications in pancreatoduodenectomy patients remains controversial. We explored the association between fluid management and radiological signs of complications. We examined pancreatoduodenectomy patients operated between July 2014 and December 2015 (n = 125) and between January 2017 and June 2018 (n = 124). The first cohort received intraoperative fluid management according to a goal-directed strategy and the second cohort was treated conventionally. We analyzed fluid administration, edema visible in computed tomography (CT) scans seven days postoperatively, and radiological signs of complications occurring up to 30 days. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify risk factors for fluid collections. No statistically significant difference in postoperative edema via CT scans emerged between the fluid management groups. However, the intraperitoneal space expanded in patients with severe Clavien–Dindo complications compared with patients experiencing mild or no complications (19.1% (IQR 10.4–40.5) vs 2.5% (IQR -7.9–16.6), p = 0.004). Fluid collections were less frequent in the goal-directed group than in the conventional fluid management group (16.8% vs 34.7%, p = 0.001). Risk factors for fluid collections included main pancreatic duct size ≤3 mm, less intraoperative fluid volume accompanying conventional fluid management, a lower postoperative urine output, and postoperative congestive heart failure. The goal-directed group received more intraoperative fluids than the conventional fluid management group and postoperative urine output was higher in the goal-directed group on postoperative days 1–3. Optimization of intraoperative fluid management through target-controlled strategies and early diuresis were associated with a lower frequency of fluid collections in postoperative CT.