THE VULKAN TECHNIQUE: A NOVEL OSTOMY-CLOSURE TECHNIQUE THAT REDUCES COMPLICATIONS AND OPERATIVE TIMES.

BACKGROUND: Ostomy reversals remain at high risk for surgical complications. Indeed, surgical-side infections due to bacterial contamination of the stoma lead to revision surgery and prolonged hospital stay. AIM: To describe the novel vulkan technique of ostomy reversal that aims to reduce operative times, surgical complications, and readmission rates. METHODS: Ostomy closure was performed using the vulkan technique in all patients. This technique consists of external intestinal closure, circular skin incision and adhesiolysis, re-anastomosis, and closure of the subcutaneous tissue in three layers, while leaving a small secondary wound through which exudative fluid can be drained. The medical records of enterostomy patients were retrospectively reviewed from our hospital database. RESULTS: The vulkan technique was successfully performed in 35 patients mainly by resident surgeons with <5 years of experience (n=22; 62.8%). The ileostomy and colostomy closure times were 53 min (interquartile range [IQR], 41-68 min; n=22) and 136 min (IQR: 88-188 min; n=13; p<0.001), respectively. The median hospital stay was seven days (IQR: 5-14.5 days); the length of hospital stay did not differ between ileostomy and colostomy groups. Major surgical complications occurred only in patients who underwent colostomy closure following the Hartmann procedure (n=2); grade≥IIIb according Clavien-Dindo classification. CONCLUSION: The vulkan technique was successfully applied in all patients with very low rates of surgical-site infections. Off note, residents with limited surgical experience mainly performed the procedure while operating time was less than one hour.

The vulkan technique: a novel ostomy-closure technique that reduces complications and operative times / Técnica vulkan para fechamento de ileostomia e colostomia: efetiva redução de complicações e tempo operatório

ABSTRACT Background: Ostomy reversals remain at high risk for surgical complications. Indeed, surgical-side infections due to bacterial contamination of the stoma lead to revision surgery and prolonged hospital stay. Aim: To describe the novel vulkan technique of ostomy reversal that aims to reduce operative times, surgical complications, and readmission rates. Methods: Ostomy closure was performed using the vulkan technique in all patients. This technique consists of external intestinal closure, circular skin incision and adhesiolysis, re-anastomosis, and closure of the subcutaneous tissue in three layers, while leaving a small secondary wound through which exudative fluid can be drained. The medical records of enterostomy patients were retrospectively reviewed from our hospital database. Results: The vulkan technique was successfully performed in 35 patients mainly by resident surgeons with <5 years of experience (n=22; 62.8%). The ileostomy and colostomy closure times were 53 min (interquartile range [IQR], 41-68 min; n=22) and 136 min (IQR: 88-188 min; n=13; p<0.001), respectively. The median hospital stay was seven days (IQR: 5−14.5 days); the length of hospital stay did not differ between ileostomy and colostomy groups. Major surgical complications occurred only in patients who underwent colostomy closure following the Hartmann procedure (n=2); grade≥IIIb according Clavien-Dindo classification. Conclusion: The vulkan technique was successfully applied in all patients with very low rates of surgical-site infections. Off note, residents with limited surgical experience mainly performed the procedure while operating time was less than one hour.

RESUMO Racional: O procedimento de reversão de ileostomia ou colostomia após procedimento cirúrgico colônico permanecem com alto risco de complicações cirúrgicas. De fato, as infecções do sítio cirúrgico, devido à inerente contaminação bacteriana da operação, levam às operações de revisão e hospitalização prolongadas. Objetivo: O presente estudo visa descrever a técnica vulkan de reversão de ostomia, avaliando tempos operatórios, complicações cirúrgicas e taxas de readmissão. Métodos: O fechamento de ostomia foi realizado utilizando a técnica vulkan em todos os pacientes. Ela consiste em incisão cutânea circular, reanastomose, fechamento da aponeurose e fechamento do tecido subcutâneo em três camadas, deixando uma pequena ferida secundária através da qual se pode drenar o líquido exsudativo. A documentação dos pacientes com enterostomia foram revisadas retrospectivamente a partir da base de dados do hospital. Resultados: A técnica vulkan foi realizada com sucesso em 35 pacientes, principalmente por cirurgiões residentes com menos de cinco anos de experiência (n=22; 62,8%). Os tempos de ileostomia e fechamento da colostomia foram 53 min (41-68 min; n=22) e 136 min (88-188 min; n=13; p<0,001), respectivamente. A média da permanência hospitalar foi de sete dias (5-14,5 dias); o tempo de internação não diferiu entre os grupos de ileostomia e colostomia. As complicações cirúrgicas maiores ocorreram somente nos pacientes que se submeteram ao fechamento da colostomia após o procedimento de Hartmann (n=2, grau ≥IIIb de acordo com a classificação de Clavien-Dindo). Conclusão: A técnica vulkan foi aplicada com sucesso em todos os pacientes com taxas muito baixas de infecções no local cirúrgico. Além disso, as operações foram realizadas principalmente por residentes com experiência cirúrgica limitada, resultando em tempos operatórios inferiores a uma hora.

One-Anastomosis Jejunal Interposition with Gastric Remnant Resection (Branco-Zorron Switch) for Severe Recurrent Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia after Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity.

BACKGROUND: The anatomical and physiological changes after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity can lead to severe hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia with neuroglycopenia in a small percentage of patients. The exact physiologic mechanism is not completely understood. Surgical reversal to the original anatomy and distal or total pancreatectomy are current therapeutic options to reverse the hypoglycemic effect, with substantial associated morbidity. Our group reports a pilot clinical series of a novel surgical technique using one-anastomosis jejunal interposition with gastric remnant resection (Branco-Zorron Switch). METHODS: Patients with severe symptomatic hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia refractory to conservative therapy were treated using the technique. The procedure started with resection of the remnant stomach close to pylorus. The alimentary limb was sectioned at 20 cm from the gastrojejunal anastomosis, and the rest of the alimentary limb was resected until the Y-Roux anastomosis. A hand-sutured anastomosis was then performed with the proximal alimentary limb and the remnant antrum. RESULTS: Four patients were successfully submitted to the procedure with reversal of the symptomatology and normalization of insulin levels, postprandial glucose levels, and oral glucose tolerance test, with a mean follow-up of 24.3 months. Mean operative time was 188 min, and patients recovered without postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from severe hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia after gastric bypass may be efficiently treated by this innovative procedure, avoiding extreme surgical therapy such as pancreatectomy or restoring the gastric anatomy, while still maintaining sustained weight loss. Studies with larger series and longer follow-up are still needed to define the role of this therapy in managing this entity.

FROM COMPLEX EVOLVING TO SIMPLE: CURRENT REVISIONAL AND ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES FOLLOWING BARIATRIC SURGERY.

Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a standard therapy in bariatric surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding, although with good results in the literature, are showing higher rates of treatment failure to reduce obesity-associated morbidity and body weight. Other problems after bariatric may occur, as band erosion, gastroesophageal reflux disease and might be refractory to medication. Therefore, a laparoscopic conversion to a RYGB can be an effective alternative, as long as specific indications for revision are fulfilled. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse own and literature data on revisional bariatric procedures to evaluate best alternatives to current practice. Methods: Institutional experience and systematic review from the literature on revisional bariatric surgery. Results: Endoscopic procedures are recently applied to ameliorate failure and complications of bariatric procedures. Therapy failure following RYGB occurs in up to 20%. Transoral outlet reduction is currently an alternative method to reduce the gastrojejunal anastomosis. The diameter and volume of sleeve gastrectomy can enlarge as well, which can be reduced by endoscopic full-thickness sutures longitudinally. Dumping syndrome and severe hypoglycemic episodes (neuroglycopenia) can be present in patients following RYGB. The hypoglycemic episodes have to be evaluated and usually can be treated conventionally. To avoid partial pancreatectomy or conversion to normal anatomy, a new laparoscopic approach with remnant gastric resection and jejunal interposition can be applied in non-responders alternatively. Hypoglycemic episodes are ameliorated while weight loss is sustained. Conclusion: Revisional and endoscopic procedures following bariatric surgery in patients with collateral symptomatic or treatment failure can be applied. Conventional non-surgical approaches should have been applied intensively before a revisional surgery will be indicated. Former complex surgical revisional procedures are evolving to less complicated endoscopic solutions.

Racional: Bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux (BGYR) é procedimento padrão em cirurgia bariátrica. Gastrectomia vertical e banda gástrica, embora com bons resultados na literatura, estão mostrando taxas mais elevadas de insucesso no tratamento para reduzir a morbidade associada à obesidade e peso corporal. Outros problemas pós-operatórios podem ocorrer, como a erosão da banda, e doença do refluxo gastroesofágico refratária à medicação. Portanto, conversão laparoscópica para BGYR pode ser alternativa eficaz, desde que indicações específicas para a revisão sejam cumpridas. Objetivo: Analisar os nossos dados e os da literatura sobre procedimentos bariátricos revisionais para avaliar melhores alternativas para a prática atual. Resultados: Procedimentos endoscópicos estão sendo aplicados recentemente para melhorar a falha e complicações de procedimentos bariátricos. Falha terapêutica após BGYR ocorre em até 20%. A redução transoral é atualmente um método alternativo para reduzir a anastomose gastrojejunal. A gastrectomia vertical pode apresentar aumento de volume e do diâmetro do pouch , o qual podem ser reduzidos por meio de sutura total endoscópica longitudinal. Síndrome de dumping e episódios de hipoglicemia grave (neuroglicopenia) podem estar presentes nos pacientes com BGYR. Os episódios hipoglicêmicos devem ser avaliados e geralmente podem ser tratados convencionalmente. Para evitar pancreatectomia parcial ou conversão à anatomia normal, uma nova abordagem laparoscópica com ressecção do remanescente gástrico e interposição de jejuno, pode ser aplicada como alternativa em não-respondedores. Episódios de hipoglicemia melhoram, enquanto a perda de peso é mantida. Conclusão: Procedimentos revisionais endoscópicos podem ser aplicados após cirurgia bariátrica em pacientes com sintomas colaterais ou na falha do tratamento. Abordagens convencionais não-cirúrgicas devem ser aplicadas intensivamente antes que uma operação revisional seja indicada. Antigos procedimentos cirúrgicos revisionais complexos estão evoluindo para soluções endoscópicas menos complicadas.

Intraabdominal Trocar-Free Vacuum Liver Retractor for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (Video).

PURPOSE: Retraction of the liver is essential in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Recently, a new internal liver retractor, the LiVac® device, has been introduced. The current video report (run-time 7:26 min) seeks to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the LiVac® trocar-free liver retractor in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The LiVac® retractor is inserted besides an abdominal trocar and uses the vacuum system of the operating room without the need for specific devices. The liver is retracted without the need of an assistant or extra trocars. RESULTS: The present case is a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in a 30-year-old woman with morbid obesity (BMI 45.3 kg/m(2)). The LiVac® retractor provided an excellent view of the operative field. No problems or device-related complications occured during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The LiVac liver retractor was easy to applicate in the presented case and provided a good exposure of the operative field.

FROM COMPLEX EVOLVING TO SIMPLE: CURRENT REVISIONAL AND ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES FOLLOWING BARIATRIC SURGERY / EVOLUÇÃO DO COMPLEXO PARA O SIMPLES: PROCEDIMENTOS REVISIONAIS E ENDOSCÓPICOS APÓS CIRURGIA BARIÁTRICA

ABSTRACT Background: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a standard therapy in bariatric surgery. Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric banding, although with good results in the literature, are showing higher rates of treatment failure to reduce obesity-associated morbidity and body weight. Other problems after bariatric may occur, as band erosion, gastroesophageal reflux disease and might be refractory to medication. Therefore, a laparoscopic conversion to a RYGB can be an effective alternative, as long as specific indications for revision are fulfilled. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyse own and literature data on revisional bariatric procedures to evaluate best alternatives to current practice. Methods: Institutional experience and systematic review from the literature on revisional bariatric surgery. Results: Endoscopic procedures are recently applied to ameliorate failure and complications of bariatric procedures. Therapy failure following RYGB occurs in up to 20%. Transoral outlet reduction is currently an alternative method to reduce the gastrojejunal anastomosis. The diameter and volume of sleeve gastrectomy can enlarge as well, which can be reduced by endoscopic full-thickness sutures longitudinally. Dumping syndrome and severe hypoglycemic episodes (neuroglycopenia) can be present in patients following RYGB. The hypoglycemic episodes have to be evaluated and usually can be treated conventionally. To avoid partial pancreatectomy or conversion to normal anatomy, a new laparoscopic approach with remnant gastric resection and jejunal interposition can be applied in non-responders alternatively. Hypoglycemic episodes are ameliorated while weight loss is sustained. Conclusion: Revisional and endoscopic procedures following bariatric surgery in patients with collateral symptomatic or treatment failure can be applied. Conventional non-surgical approaches should have been applied intensively before a revisional surgery will be indicated. Former complex surgical revisional procedures are evolving to less complicated endoscopic solutions.

RESUMO Racional: Bypass gástrico em Y-de-Roux (BGYR) é procedimento padrão em cirurgia bariátrica. Gastrectomia vertical e banda gástrica, embora com bons resultados na literatura, estão mostrando taxas mais elevadas de insucesso no tratamento para reduzir a morbidade associada à obesidade e peso corporal. Outros problemas pós-operatórios podem ocorrer, como a erosão da banda, e doença do refluxo gastroesofágico refratária à medicação. Portanto, conversão laparoscópica para BGYR pode ser alternativa eficaz, desde que indicações específicas para a revisão sejam cumpridas. Objetivo: Analisar os nossos dados e os da literatura sobre procedimentos bariátricos revisionais para avaliar melhores alternativas para a prática atual. Métodos: Foram efetuados experiência institucional e revisão sistemática da literatura sobre cirurgia bariátrica revisional. Resultados: Procedimentos endoscópicos estão sendo aplicados recentemente para melhorar a falha e complicações de procedimentos bariátricos. Falha terapêutica após BGYR ocorre em até 20%. A redução transoral é atualmente um método alternativo para reduzir a anastomose gastrojejunal. A gastrectomia vertical pode apresentar aumento de volume e do diâmetro do pouch , o qual podem ser reduzidos por meio de sutura total endoscópica longitudinal. Síndrome de dumping e episódios de hipoglicemia grave (neuroglicopenia) podem estar presentes nos pacientes com BGYR. Os episódios hipoglicêmicos devem ser avaliados e geralmente podem ser tratados convencionalmente. Para evitar pancreatectomia parcial ou conversão à anatomia normal, uma nova abordagem laparoscópica com ressecção do remanescente gástrico e interposição de jejuno, pode ser aplicada como alternativa em não-respondedores. Episódios de hipoglicemia melhoram, enquanto a perda de peso é mantida. Conclusão: Procedimentos revisionais endoscópicos podem ser aplicados após cirurgia bariátrica em pacientes com sintomas colaterais ou na falha do tratamento. Abordagens convencionais não-cirúrgicas devem ser aplicadas intensivamente antes que uma operação revisional seja indicada. Antigos procedimentos cirúrgicos revisionais complexos estão evoluindo para soluções endoscópicas menos complicadas.

Vagus-preserving technique during minimally invasive esophagectomy: the effects on cardiac parameters in a swine model.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac complications are an important cause of morbidity and mortality observed after esophageal resections. We examined whether an high intrathoracic vagotomy during abdominothoracic esophagectomy would have an effect on intraoperative and early postoperative cardiac function in the setting of a minimally invasive resection. Two hypotheses were generated for this study: (1) Vagotomy would cause cardiac changes, and (2) vagus-preserving esophagectomy would prevent cardiac problems during resection and in the early postoperative phase. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty male pigs were operated on while cardiac parameters (heart rate [HR], cardiac index [CI], preload recruitable stroke work [PRSW], contractility speed [dp/dtmax], relaxation speed [dp/dtmin], and relaxation time [tau]) were monitored using a conductance catheter and the thermodilution method. Animals were randomized into 4 groups (each n = 7): (1) control, thoracoscopy only, (2) thoracoscopy with vagotomy, (3) esophageal resection with vagotomy, and (4) esophageal resection with vagus nerve preservation. To evaluate the first hypothesis, we compared groups 1 and 2; to evaluate the second hypothesis, we compared groups 3 and 4. HR, CI, PRSW, dp/dtmax, and tau were different in the 2 groups without resection (area under the curve; each P < .05). Vagotomy with esophagectomy resulted in nonsignificant differences between groups 3 and 4. The requirement for metoprolol administration to avoid severe tachycardia was greater in the groups that underwent vagotomy (P < .05; Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSION: An high intrathoracic vagotomy results in loss of vagal tone and a greater rate of tachycardia during thoracoscopy and esophagectomy. There were no differences, however, in cardiac dynamics between the esophagectomy groups. Thus, vagal injury is not the sole reason for cardiac dysfunction after esophagectomy.

Perioperative management in distal pancreatectomy: results of a survey in 23 European participating centres of the DISPACT trial and a review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Concomitant treatment in addition to intervention may influence the primary outcome, especially in complex interventions such as surgical trials. Evidence-based standards for perioperative care after distal pancreatectomy, however, have been rarely defined. This study's objective was therefore to identify and analyse the current basis of evidence for perioperative management in distal pancreatectomy. METHODS: A standardised questionnaire was sent to 23 European centres recruiting patients for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on open distal pancreatectomy that would compare suture versus stapler closure of the pancreatic remnant (DISPACT trial, ISRCTN 18452029). Perioperative strategies (e.g., bowel preparation, pain management, administration of antibiotics, abdominal incision, drainages, nasogastric tubes, somatostatin, mobilisation and feeding regimens) were assessed. Moreover, a systematic literature search in the Medline database was performed and retrieved meta-analyses and RCTs were reviewed. RESULTS: All 23 centres returned the questionnaire. Consensus for thoracic epidural catheters (TECs), pain treatment and transverse incisions was found, as well as strong consensus for the placement of intra-abdominal drainages and perioperative single-shot antibiotics. Also, there was consensus that bowel preparation, somatostatin application, postoperative nasogastric tubes and intravenous feeding might not be beneficial. The literature search identified 16 meta-analyses and 19 RCTs demonstrating that bowel preparation, somatostatin therapy and nasogastric tubes can be omitted. Early mobilisation, feeding and TECs seem to be beneficial for patients. The value of drainages remains unclear. CONCLUSION: Most perioperative standards within the centres participating in the DISPACT trial are in accordance with current available evidence. The need for drainages requires further investigation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN 18452029.

Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy in Germany--a standardised procedure?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic resection of the sigmoid colon is generally considered as feasible option to open surgery, but standardised guidelines on surgical details have not been adopted yet. The aim of this survey was to investigate which techniques were applied by laparoscopic surgeons who are members of the Surgical Working Group for Minimal Invasive Surgery (CAMIC) of the German Surgical Society. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2005, we conducted a written survey among all members of the CAMIC asking them for their routine surgical strategy of laparoscopic sigmoid resection in a standardised multiple-choice questionnaire. This questionnaire consisted of 20 questions covering main technical issues of laparoscopic sigmoid resection including trocar and team positioning, mobilisation and resection of the left colon, specimen retrieval as well as anastomosing technique. The results were classified into four levels of consensus depending on the level of agreement between participating surgeons. RESULTS: There were 292 surgeons who took part in the survey. Strong consensus (>95% agreement) was only found in 1 of 20 technical details: the operating surgeon standing at the patient right's side. Consensus (75-95% agreement) was found for: position of the first assistant standing to the patient's left side, size of the camera port is 10 mm, lateral mobilisation of the left hemicolon before ligating the inferior mesenteric artery, extracorporeal resection of the sigmoid via minilaparotomy, transrectal stapling of the colorectal anastomosis, intraoperative testing of the anastomosis for leakage, no regular suturing over the anastomosis and irrigating of the abdominal cavity after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Variability of technical details of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was surprisingly high among German laparoscopic surgeons. This fact should be considered when discussing clinical studies about laparoscopic sigmoidectomy because trocar position, type of minilaparotomy and dissection techniques may very well influence patient outcome after laparoscopic surgery. Therefore, publications of clinical results concerning laparoscopic sigmoid resection should include a precise description of the technical details of the operation.

Hypovolemia after traditional preoperative care in patients undergoing colonic surgery is underrepresented in conventional hemodynamic monitoring.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hypovolemia after bowel preparation as well as capnoperitoneum (CP) may compromise hemodynamic function during laparoscopic colonic surgery. A fall in arterial pressure after induction of anesthesia is often answered by generous fluid administration, which might impair "fast-track" rehabilitation. Intraoperative assessment of the needed infusion volume is difficult because of a lack of data regarding the volume status in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients scheduled for laparoscopic colonic surgery after bowel preparation were prospectively monitored using the PULSION COLD Z-021 system and central venous catheter. Intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), central venous pressure (CVP), and heart rate (HR) were measured after induction of anesthesia (M1), during CP in head-down position with an intraabdominal pressure (IAP) of 20 mmHg (M2) and 12 mmHg (M3). RESULTS: Although MAP (87 mmHg), HR (64 min(-1)), and CVP (8 mmHg) were within normal ranges at the induction of surgery, ITBVI (834 ml m(-2)), and CI (2.66 l m(-2)) were decreased, indicating a relative hypovolemia. CP with 12 mmHg increased ITBVI (p<0.05) and CI (p<0.01), while an IAP of 20 mmHg reduced CI (p<0.05) compared to 12 mmHg (M3). Mean infusion during the measurements was 1,355 ml. CONCLUSION: Combination of CP with 12 mmHg, head-down position, and infusion of 1,500 ml fluids compensated relative hypovolemia during colonic surgery. With conventional monitoring, intravascular volume status might be underestimated after traditional preoperative care.

Effect of increasing cardiac preload, sympathetic antagonism, or vasodilation on visceral blood flow during pneumoperitoneum.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: An impaired visceral perfusion caused by pneumoperitoneum may contribute to morbidity after laparoscopic surgery. The following three therapeutic concepts: increasing cardiac preload, controlled vasodilation, or selective sympathetic antagonism, were evaluated regarding a possible increase of visceral blood flow during pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide. METHODS: Forty three pigs were assigned to treatment with an increase of preload and vasodilation (group A) or selective sympathetic antagonism with esmolol (group B). In both groups, pigs were assigned to head-up, head-down, or supine position. Perfusion of the vena porta and renal artery was measured by transonic volume flow meters and documented before capnoperitoneum, after induction of a 14-mmHg capnoperitoneum in each body position, after controlled vasodilation with sodium nitroprusside, and after controlled increase of intravascular volume by colloidal infusion. RESULTS: Increasing intravascular volume improved portal blood flow in all body positions (p<0.05), but not renal blood flow. Medication of esmolol did not alter the measured parameters in any body position compared to control. Vasodilation with sodium nitroprusside reduced renal blood flow in supine and in head-up position. CONCLUSION: An optimal intravascular volume was most effective in improving portal blood flow during capnoperitoneum in this trial. Esmolol had no negative effects on portal and renal blood flow. Patients with renal dysfunction might be treated carefully with sodium nitroprusside during capnoperitoneum.

Conventional monitoring and intravascular volume measurement can lead to different therapy after upper gastrointestinal tract surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the judgment of intravascular volume based either on conventional monitoring or on the data of COLD measurement. DESIGN: Single-blinded, observational study. SETTING: Intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS: Ten consecutive patients after upper gastrointestinal tract surgery for carcinoma. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Judgments ( n=59) about intravascular volume (hypo-, iso- or hypervolemic) were given twice a day until the 2nd postoperative day by two physicians. Physician A's judgment was based on conventional monitoring and physician B's judgment on COLD monitoring. Both were blinded for each other's judgment. The inter-rater agreement between A and B was analyzed using the weighted kappa statistic. Both physicians gave a recommendation about the volume therapy during the following 12 h. The therapeutic regimen, including volume therapy, was defined by physician A. The inter-rater-agreement regarding intravascular volume was poor (overall weighted kappa =0.095). The sum of absolute differences between A and B in their recommendation about infusion administration reached a median of 4,875 ml per patient. CONCLUSIONS: The poor inter-rater agreement between the two physicians and the consecutive difference in the infusion therapy may have clinical consequences and should be evaluated in further studies. These data cannot confirm which decision strategy should be preferred.