Background: Fluid overload is a significant risk during hysteroscopic procedures, potentially leading to severe complications including pulmonary edema and cardiac arrest. This consensus statement addresses the need for standardized guidelines to prevent fluid misuse during hysteroscopy.
Objectives: To provide comprehensive recommendations for preventing and managing fluid overload during hysteroscopy, aiming to improve patient safety and reduce the risk of complications.
Methods: Expert panel discussions were conducted on Hystropedia I, a social media platform established by Prof. Usama Shawki of Cairo University. The panel included gynecologists, anesthesiologists, and surgical technicians with extensive experience in hysteroscopic procedures. Recommendations were formulated based on clinical expertise, current literature, and best practices.
Results: Key recommendations include limiting surgical time to 25-30 minutes, maintaining fluid flow rates below 300 mL/min, carefully monitoring fluid deficit with intervention at 1 liter and procedure termination at 2 liters, preferring normal saline over glycine as the distension fluid, considering patient-specific factors in risk assessment, implementing specific equipment and technical considerations to prevent air embolism, coordinating with anesthesia teams regarding IV fluid administration, and recommending spinal anesthesia for longer procedures.
Conclusions: This consensus provides a comprehensive framework for preventing and managing fluid overload during hysteroscopy. It emphasizes vigilant monitoring, proactive management, and consideration of multiple factors including fluid dynamics, patient characteristics, and procedural techniques. Adherence to these guidelines can significantly enhance patient safety in hysteroscopic procedures.