Is Intraoperative Fluid Restriction Effective in Reducing Complications After Esophagectomy?

Esophagectomy is a highly invasive procedure spanning multiple body compartments, leading to inflammation and intraoperative fluid shift susceptibility. Several observational and prospective randomized studies note the significant deleterious effects that volume liberal strategies have on pulmonary and anastomotic complications. Volume restrictive and goal directed intraoperative volume strategies are effective though not reliably proven to decrease rates of major morbidity and mortality. Restrictive, multidisciplinary management of intraoperative fluids in combination with minimally invasive techniques can positively affect postoperative outcomes.