REstrictive Versus LIbEral Fluid Therapy in Major Abdominal Surgery: RELIEF Study (NCT01424150) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
REstrictive Versus LIbEral Fluid Therapy in Major Abdominal Surgery: RELIEF Study
Australia3,000 participantsStarted 2013-07
Plain-language summary
The optimal fluid regimen, haemodynamic (or other) targets and fluid choice (colloid or crystalloid) for patients undergoing major surgery are based on rationales that are not supported by strong evidence. Practices vary substantially, guidelines are vague, small trials and meta-analyses are contradictory. The strongest and most consistent evidence, and biological plausibility because of tissue edema, supports a restrictive fluid strategy. But other evidence supports goal-directed therapy, requiring additional IV fluid. There is no good evidence that use and choice of colloids improves outcome. RELIEF will study the effects of fluid restriction, and the possible effect-modification of goal-directed therapy and colloids. The first will be randomly assigned; the latter will be measured covariates dictated by local practices and beliefs.
Study Hypotheses A restrictive fluid regimen for adults undergoing major abdominal surgery leads to reduced complications and improved disability-free survival when compared with a liberal fluid regimen.
Secondary hypothesis: The effects of fluid restriction are similar whether or not goal-directed therapy is used (assessed as a statistical test of interaction). A restrictive fluid regimen will reduce a composite of 30-day septic complications and mortality.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Adults (≥18 years) undergoing elective major surgery and providing informed consent
. All types of open or lap-assisted abdominal or pelvic surgery with an expected duration of at least 2 hours, and an expected hospital stay of at least 3 days (for example, oesophagectomy, gastrectomy, pancreatectomy, colectomy, aortic or aorto-femoral vascular surgery, nephrectomy, cystectomy, open prostatectomy, radical hysterectomy, and abdominal incisional hernia repair)
. At increased risk of postoperative complications, defined as at least one of the following criteria:
Exclusion criteria
. Urgent or time-critical surgery
. ASA physical status 5 - such patients are not expected to survive with or without surgery, and their underlying illness is expected to have an overwhelming effect on outcome (irrespective of fluid therapy)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. Pulmonary or cardiac surgery - different pathophysiology, and thoracic surgery typically have strict fluid restrictions
. Liver resection - most units have strict fluid/CVP limits in place and won't allow randomisation
. Minor or intermediate surgery, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, transurethral resection of the prostate, inguinal hernia repair, splenectomy, closure of colostomy - each of these are typically "minor" surgery with minimal IV fluid requirements, generally low rates of complications and mostly very good survival.