[Perioperative fluid therapy. A quality control study]

This paper presents a retrospective analysis of the fluid balance during the first 12 hours after laparotomy in 60 consecutive patients. The analysis showed that the majority of patients received greater volumes of crystalloid infusions than recommended, and that the actual number of blood transfusions given did in many circumstances not comply with the available guidelines. Perioperative fluid therapy is an area that needs increased attention since overhydration may contribute to cardiopulmonary morbidity. Perioperative fluid therapy regimens should be evaluated in future prospective, controlled, randomized trials.