Colloid versus crystalloid resuscitation in experimental bowel obstruction.

The physiologic effects of fluid resuscitation were studied in 20 piglets with advanced small bowel obstruction. Two solutions were compared: 5% albumin in normal saline and normal saline. Animals resuscitated with albumin-containing solution showed higher serum colloid oncotic pressure, greater loss of peritoneal fluid, lower urine output, and progression of muscular dehydration, when compared to animals resuscitated with similar volumes of normal saline solution.