Preliminary results of a prospective randomized trial of restrictive versus standard fluid regime in elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Background: Open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is associated with a significant morbidity (primarily respiratory and cardiac complications) and an overall mortality rate of 4% to 10%. We tested the hypothesis that perioperative fluid restriction would reduce complications and improve outcome after elective open AAA repair.

Methods: In a prospective randomized control trial, patients undergoing elective open infra-renal AAA repair were randomized to a "standard" or "restricted" perioperative fluid administration group.