A prospective randomized pilot study of near-infrared spectroscopy-directed restricted fluid therapy versus standard fluid therapy in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

There are substantial data supporting the concept that algorithms that effectively limit fluid volumes to patients undergoing elective surgery, particularly intraoperatively, significantly reduce perioperative morbidity. We hypothesized that intraoperative fluid limitation could be safely accomplished when guided by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring, and that this fluid restriction regimen would result in a reduction in postoperative morbidity when compared with standard monitoring and fluid therapy. The intent of this pilot study was to demonstrate the feasibility and ease of conduct of this study protocol before expanding to the multicenter pivotal trial.

Research and commentary: Change in exercise tolerance, activity and sleep patterns, and quality of life in patients with cancer participating in a structured exercise program.

Purpose/objectives: To investigate the feasibility of an exercise program patterned after a phase II cardiac rehabilitation program to improve selected physiologic and psychological parameters of health in patients with cancer.

Design: Prospective, repeated measures study.

Setting: Two major military medical centers in the southwestern United States.