Impact of Perioperative Fluid Strategies on Outcomes in Radical Cystectomy: A Systematic Review

TL;DR

This review examines how different fluid strategies during bladder cancer surgery affect blood loss, recovery, and complications, finding that restrictive fluid therapy may offer benefits.

Contribution

The study provides a systematic review of perioperative fluid strategies in radical cystectomy, highlighting the potential benefits of restrictive and goal-directed approaches.

Findings

Restrictive fluid therapy with norepinephrine reduced blood loss, transfusions, complications, and hospital stay.

Goal-directed fluid therapy showed mixed results, with some benefits in reducing ileus and wound infections.

Warmed fluids were associated with reduced transfusion needs and shorter hospital stays.

Abstract

Fluid management during bladder cancer surgery can affect how much blood a patient loses, how quickly they recover, and whether complications occur. In this review, we looked at different ways of giving fluids during radical cystectomy, including limited (restrictive) fluids, personalized fluid therapy, and using warmed fluids. Some approaches, like limiting fluids and adjusting them based on the patient’s condition, may help reduce blood loss and complications. However, the studies used different surgical techniques and protocols, which makes it hard to say which method works best. Some patients had robotic surgery, others had open surgery, and some had different ways of reconnecting the urinary system. More high-quality research is needed to better understand which fluid therapy is safest and most effective for patients having this major surgery.

Background: Perioperative fluid management plays a critical role in optimizing recovery after radical cystectomy. Various strategies, such as restrictive fluid therapy, goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT), and warmed fluids, have been studied for their impact on complications and outcomes. However, the optimal approach remains uncertain. Methods: We conducted a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A PubMed search was performed in January 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies published in English that assessed perioperative fluid strategies in radical cystectomy. Two reviewers independently selected studies, with a third resolving discrepancies. Data were extracted on study characteristics, interventions, and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Due to heterogeneity, narrative synthesis was used. Results: Seventeen studies (eight RCTs, nine observational; total n = 3519) were included. Three publications based on a single RCT (n = 167) showed that restrictive fluid therapy with norepinephrine significantly reduced blood loss (p < 0.0001), transfusions (p = 0.0006), complications (p = 0.006), and hospital stay (p = 0.02), with a trend toward fewer 90-day complications (p = 0.12). Six studies (four RCTs, two observational) evaluated GDFT. Doppler- and SVV-based GDFT reduced ileus, nausea, wound infections, and blood loss, although findings on renal function and length of stay were mixed. One RCT showed that warmed fluids reduced transfusion needs (p = 0.028) and hospital stay (p = 0.05). VBFI (Vascular Bed Filling Index)- and aVBFI (adjusted Vascular Bed Filling Index)-guided strategies may lower complications in ileal conduit patients, but evidence remains limited. Conclusions: Restrictive fluid therapy with norepinephrine appears to improve outcomes after radical cystectomy. GDFT and warmed fluids show potential benefits, but findings are inconsistent. Further high-quality trials are needed to define the optimal strategy.

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