Rational use of Volume Replacement Fluids in Patients of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Introduction Fluid resuscitation is fundamental for the management of general trauma, hemorrhagic shock, and generalized infections. The aim of this article is to guide surgeons in the choice of fluids for fluid resuscitation in oral and maxillofacial surgery patients by providing practical and objective guidelines, with specific indications derived from various hospital situations. Materials and Methods Crystalloid solutions such as 0.9% saline and Ringer's lactate are first-choice fluids in multiple clinical situations such as facial trauma with or without major blood loss, during the preoperative period of elective surgeries, and in cases of septic shock because of their wide availability, low cost and better physiological dilution. The administration to oral and maxillofacial surgery patients is an ongoing challenge in terms of indicating the best solution for each situation since no established protocols are available in the literature; consequently, the choice is mainly based on institutional practice and surgeon's preferences. Conclusion Decision for fluid resuscitation should be made based on the individual needs of each patient and the procedure to be performed.