LAUSR

Purpose of ReviewAs the population ages and more numbers of surgeries are performed in the elderly, little thought has been given to the proper fluid management for the aging patient. This presents a unique challenge in perioperative management due to the normal physiologic changes that occur as organ systems age.Recent FindingsDespite our current understanding of cardiovascular and renal aging, appropriate fluid management remains poorly understood. Current trends in goal-directed therapy demonstrate favorable postoperative outcomes; however, little is known as to the best application of fluid management in the elderly.SummaryBy using minimally invasive cardiac output monitors to guide fluid therapy and maximize tissue perfusion, patient-specific individualized management is achieved which may be beneficial to the elderly population as fluid-handling organ systems diminish. Perioperative fluid management of elderly surgical patients must be considered in the context of the reduced organ-specific functional reserve associated with normal aging.