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. 1996 May;89(5):249–252. doi: 10.1177/014107689608900504

Randomized comparison of oral and intravenous fluid regimens after gallbladder surgery.

O C Cassell 1, N Oakley 1, A R Forrest 1, W E Thomas 1, A R Dennison 1
PMCID: PMC1295774  PMID: 8778430

Abstract

Numerous studies of post-operative fluid status have utilized sophisticated measurements of electrolyte distribution and fluid shift without relating results to clinical practice. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to investigate the response of patients undergoing abdominal surgery of moderate severity to conservative post-operative fluid administration. Forty-five patients undergoing open cholecystectomy were randomized to receive 2.51 of fluid (1 l normal saline and 1.51 5% dextrose), 1 l of normal saline, or free oral fluids (groups 1, 2, 3, respectively). Serum and urine osmolality and electrolytes were measured pre-operatively and at 24 and 48 h post-operatively. Patients remained in the study irrespective of the urine output. Plasma electrolytes and osmolality remained within normal limits in all three groups despite significant changes in urine electrolyte and osmolality in groups 2 and 3. This confirms that a conservative approach to fluid administration has no detrimental effect on hydration in fit patients with uncomplicated surgery.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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