We determined the relationship between changes in bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) parameters and response of critically ill patients to fluid therapy during early postoperative period. Associations between BIA values indicating volume status of postoperative patient and clinical outcomes were also evaluated. From May 2019 to April 2020, patients who were admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) of our institution at more than 48 h after surgery were enrolled. Volume status was measured with a portable BIA device every morning for five days from SICU admission. Overhydration was defined as the case where extracellular water (ECW) ratio > 0.390 measured by BIA. Participants were daily classified into an overhydration or a normohydration group. The relationship between daily hydration status and postoperative outcome was evaluated. Most of the 190 participants showed the overhydration status in the first 48 h after surgery. The overhydration status on day 3 was significant predictor of postoperative morbidities (OR 1.182) and in-hospital mortality (OR 2.040). SOFA score was significant factor of postoperative morbidities (OR 1.163) and in-hospital mortality (OR 3.151) except for the overhydration status on day 3. Cut-off values of overhydration status by ECW ratio at day 3 for predicting postoperative morbidities and in-hospital mortality were > 0.3985 and > 0.4145, respectively. BIA would be a useful and convenient tool to assess the volume status of patients requiring intensive fluid resuscitation in early postoperative period. Overhydration status by ECW ratio on postoperative day 3 needs careful monitoring and appropriate interventions to improve clinical outcomes.

Purpose: We evaluated the patterns and changes in bioelectrical impedance analysis parameters of patient who underwent abdominal surgery throughout the early period in surgical intensive care unit stay. Materials and Methods: From May 2019 to April 2020, patients admitted to surgical intensive care unit for more than 48 hours after surgery were enrolled. Body composition and volume status of patients were measured prospectively using portable bioelectrical impedance analysis device every morning for three days from the day of intensive care unit admission. Overhydration was defined as the case where the value of extracellular water ratio is above 0.390, and the participants were daily classified into overhydration or normohydration group. Relationship between daily volume status measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and outcomes was assessed. Results: 107 patients who underwent abdominal surgery and 26 patients who underwent endovascular surgery were reviewed as control group. During the first postoperative 48 hours, most of them showed overhydration status, while the rate of overhydaration was significantly lower in the control group. Overhydration status on day 3 was significant predictors of postoperative morbidities (OR 5.709, 95% CI 2.199~14.819, P<0.001) and in-hospital mortality (OR 4.244, 95% CI 1.398~12.883, P<0.001). Conclusion:Overhydration status by extracellular water ratio on postoperative day 3 needs careful monitoring and appropriate interventions to improve the postoperative morbidities and in-hospital mortality. Bioelectrical impedance analysis could be a simple, easy and useful tool to monitor the volume status of patients who requiring intensive fluid resuscitation after abdominal surgery.

Tracheo-gastric conduit fistula is an extremely rare but severe complication that is difficult to manage. Conservative care, esophageal or tracheal stent placement, or cutaneomuscular flaps have been suggested; however, no definite treatment has been proven. We report a case of tracheo-gastric conduit fistula that occurred after a minimally invasive radical three-field esophagectomy. Following the primary surgery, the diagnosis was made while evaluating the patient's frequent aspiration and coughing. Conservative management failed, and a surgical correction was undertaken to identify the multifocal mucosal defect and exposed tracheal ring. A sternocleidomastoid muscle rotation flap and subsequent Histoacryl injection into the remaining fistula were performed, and the fistula was successfully managed.