title: Randomized clinical trial assessing the effect of Doppler-optimized fluid management on outcome after elective colorectal resection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Protocolized fluid administration using oesophageal Doppler monitoring may improve the postoperative outcome in patients undergoing surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 108 patients undergoing elective colorectal resection were recruited into a double-blind prospective randomized controlled trial. An oesophageal Doppler probe was placed in all patients. The control group received perioperative fluid at the discretion of the anaesthetist, whereas the intervention group received additional colloid boluses based on Doppler assessment. Primary outcome was length of postoperative hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were morbidity, return of gastrointestinal function and cytokine markers of the systemic inflammatory response. Standard preoperative and postoperative management was used in all patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Demographic and surgical details were similar in the two groups. Aortic flow time, stroke volume, cardiac output and cardiac index during the intraoperative period were higher in the intervention group (P<0.050). The intervention group had a reduced postoperative hospital stay (7 versus 9 days in the control group; P=0.005), fewer intermediate or major postoperative complications (2 versus 15 percent; P=0.043) and tolerated diet earlier (2 versus 4 days; P=0.029). There was a reduced rise in perioperative level of the cytokine interleukin 6 in the intervention group (P=0.039).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A protocol-based fluid optimization programme using intraoperative oesophageal Doppler monitoring leads to a shorter hospital stay and decreased morbidity in patients undergoing elective colorectal resection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Freeman Hospital, and Department of Surgical and Reproductive Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Noblett
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Snowden
authors.forename: B K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Shenton
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Horgan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*