• Ghada M N Bashandy.
• Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, 1 Fom Alkhalij, Kasr Alainy St., Cairo, 11211, Egypt, ghada_pashandy@yahoo.com.
• J Anesth. 2015 Apr 1; 29 (2): 269-78.

AbstractThe endothelial glycocalyx is a labile, fine structure coating the luminal membrane of intact healthy vascular endothelium. For many decades, no physiologic importance was linked to this structure. It is crucial for vascular barrier function. There has been an immense interest in recent years for studying this important structure, and research is needed to disclose more information about it. Perioperative damage of the glycocalyx has been demonstrated, and is linked with morbidity and even mortality in surgical patients. Research on the glycocalyx should change many of the current perioperative management guidelines, and focusing on its protection is plausible. The present article reviews what we already know about the glycocalyx and how this knowledge has changed anesthesiologist perspectives.

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