Objective: To compare the efficacy of early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) based on the FloTrac/EV1000 platform versus standard care to improve perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Materials and Methods: Forty patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomized to the Control or EGDT group. The Control group was managed to achieve a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 to 90 mmHg, a central venous pressure of 8 to 12 mmHg, a urine output of 0.5 mL/kg/h or more, and an SpO₂ of more than 95%. The EGDT group was managed to achieve similar goals using information from the FloTrac/EV1000 platform by receiving fluid to maintain stroke volume variation (SVV) of less than 13%, inotropic drugs to achieve a cardiac index (CI) of 2.2 to 4.0 L/min/m⁻², and/or vasoactive drugs to achieve a systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) of 1,600 to 2,500 dynes·s/cm⁻⁵/m².

Results: There were 20 patients in each group. The EGDT group received more colloid (p=0.035). The MAP and SVRI of both groups were comparable. The SVV of the Control group was higher (p=0.002), while the CI of the EGDT group was higher (p<0.001). The EGDT group had a shorter intubated time and a shorter stay in the ICU, with a mean difference of –3.95 h (95% CI –7.85 to –0.05, p=0.047) and –14.75 h (95% CI –25.38 to –4.12, p=0.008), respectively. The EGDT group had shorter hospital stays, albeit without significance (p=0.273). No postoperative complication was detected.

Conclusion: Implementation of EGDT using FloTrac/EV1000, compared to conventional care, in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery results in shorter intubated time and shorter stay in the ICU. The shorter hospital stay did not achieve statistical significance.