Effect of liberal versus restrictive fluid therapy on intraoperative lactate levels in robot- assisted colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Minimally invasive and robotic surgeries need lesser fluid replacement but the role of restricted fluids in robotic surgeries other than prostatic surgeries has not been clearly defined. Our primary aim was to evaluate the effects of a restrictive fluid regimen versus a liberal policy on intra-operative lactate in robotic colorectal surgery. Secondary outcomes were need for vasopressors, extubation on table, post-operative renal functions and length of ICU (LOICU) stay. METHODS: American society of anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I–II patients scheduled for robot-assisted colorectal surgery were randomised into one of two groups, receiving either 2 mL/kg/h (Group R) or 4mL/kg/h, (group L). Fluid boluses of 250 ml were administered if mean arterial pressure (MAP) <65 mmHg or urine output <0.5 ml/kg/h. Norepinephrine was added for the blood pressure after 2 fluid boluses. Surgical field was assessed by modified Boezaart's scale and surgeon satisfaction by Likert scale. RESULTS: Demographics and baseline renal functions were comparable. Adjusted intra-operative lactate at 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h and need for noradrenaline and post-operative creatinine were similar. One patient in the group L was ventilated due to hypothermia. The field was better at the 4 h in group R and comparable at other time points. The LOICU stay was longer in Group L. CONCLUSION: The use of restrictive fluid strategy of 2 mL/kg/h (group R) does not increase lactate levels or creatinine, improves surgical field at 4 h and shortens ICU stay in comparison to a liberal 4 mL/kg/h (group L) in robotic colorectal surgery.