Study Links Reduced Surgical IV Fluids to Improved Patient Outcomes

A Montefiore Einstein study in JAMA Network Open found that decreasing intravenous fluid administration during surgery did not harm patients and led to benefits. Researchers observed significantly lower rates of Foley catheter insertion, fewer urinary tract infections, and reduced 30-day hospital readmissions among nearly 27,000 patients. This suggests a potential shift in surgical fluid management practices, prompted by a 2024 IV fluid shortage.