Ultrasonographic-Guided Resuscitation of the Surgical Patient

The authors summarize the rationale and utility of point of care ultrasonography for identifying factors associated with hypotension or hypoxia in a deteriorating surgical patient, including hypovolemia, LV dysfunction, PE, pleural fluid, ascites, etc.  Their claim is that a variety of other diagnostic measures are less accurate, and that a single ultrasonographic exam of the abdomen, lung, pleura, and heart in a single study is efficient, useful, and can be performed in any location.