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Commentary

Goal directed therapy: how long can we wait?

Anthony C Gordon1 and James A Russell2*

Author Affiliations

1 Clinical/Research Fellow, Critical Care Research Laboratories, Centre for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

2 Professor of Medicine, Critical Care Research Laboratories, Centre for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

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Critical Care 2005, 9:647-648 doi:10.1186/cc3951

Published: 23 November 2005

Abstract

Intensive monitoring and aggressive management of perioperative haemodynamics (goal directed therapy) have repeatedly been reported to reduce the significant morbidity and mortality associated with high risk surgery. It may not matter what particular monitor is used to assess cardiac output but it is essential to ensure adequate oxygen delivery. If this management cannot begin preoperatively, it is still worth beginning goal directed therapy in the immediate postoperative period.