Perioperative Intravenous Fluid Therapy

The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of two major types of resuscitation fluidsFluids: crystalloidsCrystalloids and colloidsColloids. This includes a discussion of types of crystalloidsCrystalloids and indications for the use of specific types of crystalloids. In addition, an overview of commonly used colloids (albuminAlbumin and hetastarches) and their side effectsSide effects is included. The concept of early goal-directed fluid therapyGoal-directed fluid therapy and the literature supporting its use is also presented. Finally, the difference between static and dynamic parameters of fluid responsivenessFluid responsiveness in both mechanically ventilated and spontaneously breathing patients is discussed. In a nutshell, the chapter reviews choice of fluid resuscitation type, amount of fluid that should be given, and mechanisms to assess adequacy of fluid resuscitation.