Perioperative goal directed haemodynamic therapy – do it, bin it, or finally investigate it properly?
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* Corresponding author: Owen Boyd owen.boyd@bsuh.nhs.uk
The General Intensive Care Unit, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 5BE, UK
Critical Care 2007, 11:170 doi:10.1186/cc6130
Published: 26 October 2007Abstract
The literature concerning the use of goal directed haemodynamic therapy (GDHT) in high risk surgical patients has been importantly increased by the study of Lopes and colleagues. Using a minimally invasive assessment of fluid status and pulse pressure variation monitoring during mechanical ventilation, improvements were seen in post-operative complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Many small studies have shown improved outcome using various GDHT techniques but widespread implementation has not occurred. Those caring for perioperative patients need to accept the published evidence base or undertake a larger, multi-centre study.