Perioperative monitoring of fluid responsiveness after esophageal surgery using stroke volume variation

To assess the utility of a new arterial pressure-based cardiac output (FloTrac) and central venous oximetry (PreSep) monitoring system in the perioperative management of patients undergoing radical esophagectomy.

From May 2006, a new analyzing device (Vigileo monitor; Edwards Lifesciences LLC, Tokyo, Japan), which can be used in combination with the FloTrac and PreSep sensors, has been used in nine patients who have undergone radical operations for thoracic esophageal cancer at our hospital. Stroke volume variation (SVV), calculated for each respiratory cycle and displayed on the Vigileo monitor, precisely predicted intravascular hypovolemia. The maximum SVV of patients who needed fluid resuscitation was significantly higher than that of patients who had a stable circulation. The mean value of the maximum SVV in the patient with or without fluid resuscitation was 25 +/- 6.9 and 13 +/- 1.4%, respectively (p < 0.04). In addition, continuous monitoring of central venous oxygen saturation enabled evaluation of oxygen supply to tissues to aid in determining the need for red blood cell transfusion. The Vigileo monitor (with Flo Trac and PreSep sensors) provided reliable information for the perioperative management of high-risk patients after highly invasive general surgery without the need for an invasive central or pulmonary catheter.