Evaluating effects of pre-operative hydration on clinical outcome of patients undergoing orthopedic surgery

Introduction: Hydration is necessary for surgery, and it is recommended that pre-operative hydration may accompany with better outcome and shorter post-operative hospitalization. This study aims at evaluating effects of pre-operative hydration on clinical outcome of patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Methods: In this case-control study, 100 patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgery were randomly classified as intervention group (pre-operative hydration, n = 50) and control group (no pre-operative hydration, n = 50). The intervention group received crystalloid fluids (ringer) 1.5 ml/kg during fasting, and the control group received no intravenous fluid before surgery. Both groups were evaluated for intraoperative and post-operative findings. Results: Comparing with the control group, the intervention group had significantly lower hypotension during surgery (10 vs. 38%, P = 0.001), less hemodynamic disorder (8 vs. 30%, P = 0.005), less need for pack cell transfusion (12 vs. 60%, P < 0.001), higher urine output (1047.68 ± 586.78 vs. 750.36 ± 437.25 cc, P = 0.005), less intensive care unit (ICU) admission (12 vs. 30%, P = 0.020), and shorter mean hospitalization (6.96 ± 1.78 vs. 8.96 ± 3.10 days, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups considering mortality rate (4 vs. 6%, P = 0.100).