RANDOMIZED COMPARISON OF ORAL AND INTRAVENOUS FLUID REGIMENS AFTER GALLBLADDER SURGERY

Numerous studies of post-operative fluid status have utilized sophisti cated measurements of electrolyte distribution relating results to cli nical practice, The aim of this prospective randomized study was to in vestigate the response of patients undergoing abdominal surgery of mod erate severity to conservative postoperative fluid administration, For ty-five patients undergoing open cholecystectomy were randomized to re ceive 2.5l of fluid (1l normal saline and 1.5l 5% dextrose), 1l of nor mal saline, or free oral fluids (groups 1, 2, 3, respectively). Serum and urine osmolality and electrolytes were measured pre-operatively an d at 24 and 48h post-operatively. Patients remained in the study irres pective of the urine output, Plasma electrolytes and osmolality remain ed within normal limits in all three groups despite significant change s in urine electrolyte and osmolality in groups 2 and 3. This normal c onfirms that a conservative approach to fluid administration has no de trimental effect on hydration in fit patients with uncomplicated surge ry.