Reliability of fluid monitoring during operative hysteroscopy

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of volume-based fluid balance monitoring in operative hysteroscopy. The actual volume of twenty 3-litre Glycine 1.5 % bags was measured by weighing the contents of each bag and by converting the weight into volume knowing the specific gravity of Glycine 1.5 %. The volume of the Serres^OY suction canisters that represents the output volume was measured using a calibrated 1000-ml beaker. The volume in the 3-litre Glycine 1.5 % bags ranged from a minimum 3105 ml to a maximum of 3124 ml with a mean volume of 3115.3 ml. The actual volume of fluid in the Serres^OY suction canisters containing the plastic liner when the reading is 500 ml was 425 ml, at 1000 ml, it was 900 ml, and at 2000 ml, it was 1850 ml. Therefore, a measured 3-litre outflow would have an actual volume of 2750 ml. It is concluded that volume-based fluid monitoring is not a reliable method in operative hysteroscopy. Therefore, weight-based fluid management systems should be used to ensure patient safety and prevent fluid overload.