Perioperative hemodynamic optimization: a revised approach

• 18% of patients undergoing surgery will develop a major postoperative complication
• Postoperative complications increase the risk of long term mortality
• Perioperative hemodynamic optimization reduces the risk of complications
• An oxygen debt is incurred in the immediate postoperative period
• Hemodynamic optimization should continue for up to 12 hours following surgery

Contemporary data suggest that approximately 18% of patients undergoing surgery will develop a major postoperative complication, and 3% to 5% will die prior to hospital discharge. Patients who develop a postoperative complication are at an increased risk of long-term mortality. Multiple studies have shown that perioperative hemodynamic optimization reduces the risk of postoperative complications and death in elective noncardiac surgical patients.