Goal-directed therapy in the operating room: is there any benefit?

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews the current evidence behind goal-directed therapy (GDT) in multiple medical settings. RECENT FINDINGS: Although some studies advocate for the use of GDT, others do not and more studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of GDT in medicine. Previously accepted guidelines for treating patients in septic shock which include GDT in their algorithms are not supported by the findings in recent randomized, controlled trials. No generally accepted guidelines for GDT are available for perioperative use, but there is evidence supporting GDT in high-risk surgery such as major abdominal surgery and cardiac surgery. Clinicians should be aware of the potential benefits of GDT in these settings and use these evidence-based findings to help guide clinical decisions in these patient populations. SUMMARY: The use of GDT may be beneficial depending on the clinical setting, but more evidence supporting its use is necessary before it can be considered standard of care.