Objective To investigate the effect of stroke volume variation (SVV) guided fluid therapy on intestinal barrier function in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

Methods 60 patients undergoing elective radical gastrectomy were randomly divided into two groups: group G (goal-directed fluid therapy group, n=30) and group C (classical fluid therapy group, n=30). Group G was given fluid replacement according to the guidance of SVV during operation. Group C was given fluid replacement according to the total amount of infusion (physiological requirement + cumulative loss + compensatory dilatation + loss of the third space + blood loss during operation) during operation. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and cardiac index (CI) were monitored during operation and in recovery room. The concentrations of plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and D-lactic acid were measured before anesthesia and within 3 days after operation. The first exhaust time, postoperative hospital stay, and the occurrence of postoperative adverse reactions were recorded.

Results There was no significant difference in MAP, HR, and CI during operation between the two groups. The intraoperative crystalloid infusion volume, colloid infusion volume, and total infusion volume in group G were significantly less than those in group C (P < 0.05). Three days after operation, the levels of D-lactic acid and I-FABP in group C were significantly higher than those in group G (P < 0.01). The first exhaust time and hospital stay in group G were significantly shorter than those in group C (P < 0.01).

Conclusions Compared with traditional fluid replacement, SVV guided fluid therapy can reduce the amount of fluid infusion during laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer, ensure good circulatory perfusion, better protect intestinal barrier function and reduce the length of stay of patients afer operation.