Perioperative fluid management in older trauma patients : Practical algorithms and statement of the Working Group on Geriatric Traumatology of the German Society for Geriatrics.

Fluid therapy is an integral component of perioperative management in geriatric trauma surgery. Sufficient evidence-based medicine in perioperative fluid management in older patients is still lacking. Our aim is to present practical algorithms for the perioperative phases of fluid management reflecting the current state of scientific knowledge, expert opinions and best clinical practices. These algorithms follow the rules of practical applicability. The final assessment as the basis for the targeted fluid management is always a synoptic view of the clinical findings, medical history, laboratory findings and diagnostic tests. Ongoing and prospective evaluation of the presented criteria and procedures is necessary.