Insensible water loss in surgical patients

Insensible water loss has been studied before, during and after abdominal surgery of moderate severity. It has been shown that if normal hydration is maintained there is no significant change in insensible water loss. Patients who become relatively dehydrated have a significant fall in insensible water loss but there is no evidence that this is detrimental to their postoperative progress. We would like to thank Professor H. L. Duthie for permission to study patients under his care, and the nursing, dietetic and technical staff who helped to carry out this study.