[Perioperative fluid therapy--what new?].

Limited evidence on perioperative fluid management has resulted in large variability in administered fluid regimens with unknown implications for the outcome. Present data indicate fluid overload and hypovolemia to be equally deleterious, and individualized fluid therapy may be recommended in high-risk patients undergoing major elective surgery. Future studies should be procedure-specific and with standardized perioperative management with increased focus on the postoperative period.