Intraoperative fluid and electrolyte management in the pediatric surgical patient.

: A comprehensive plan for intraoperative fluid and electrolyte maintenance in the pediatric surgical patient should be made before the start of anesthesia and carried out carefully but aggressively by the surgeon and anesthesiologist. There must be careful assessment of intraoperative blood loss, accurate calculation of the volume of clear fluids given, and frequent measurement of electrolyte levels, blood gas levels, and hematocrit values, particularly during long operative procedures. Tabulated are maintenance fluid requirements, suggested fluid replacement schedules, and formulas for determining blood volume and allowable blood loss, plus a regimen for blood replacement.