[Fluid balance and postoperative lung function].

Postoperative volume therapy: 1. Replacement of fluid loss. 2. Therapy of intravasal hypovolaemia in case of permeability damage or intracellular fluid shift. Monitoring: 1. Circulation (HR, CVP, art. pressure). 2. Homeostasis (Na, K). 3. Metabolic changes (BE, pH). 4. Kidney function. In complications like sepsis or ARDS with pulmonary problems and increase of pulmonary vascular resistance the use of a pulmonary artery catheter is necessary. Differential treatment has to be based on additional measurement of cardiac output and pulmonary capillary pressure. Volume treatment in postoperative complications is essential because of intravasal hypovolaemia. Kidney and cardiac failure have to be ruled out.