Effects of Intravenous Fluid Restriction on Postoperative Complications

This case focuses on the effects of limiting intravenous fluids on postoperative complications by asking the question: What are the effects of a restricted intravenous fluid regimen targeting an unchanged body weight vs. a standard regimen on complications after elective colorectal surgery? Patients receiving combined thoracic epidural and general anesthesia were randomized to two groups: the restricted fluid regimen and the standard fluid regimen. A total of 141 patients completed the trial: 69 in the restricted group and 72 in the standard group. This randomized, observer-blinded clinical trial demonstrated that a restricted intravenous fluid regimen aimed at unchanged body weight reduced complications after elective colorectal surgery.