Surgery today
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Observational Study
Effects of tolvaptan in the early postoperative stage after heart valve surgery: results of the STAR (Study of Tolvaptan for fluid retention AfteR valve surgery) trial.
The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of tolvaptan, a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, for the management of postoperative surgical fluid retention after heart valve surgery. ⋯ Tolvaptan was effective in treating fluid retention during the early postoperative stage in cardiac surgery patients, without increased renal failure or abnormal electrolyte levels. This new type of diuretic therapy may be a suitable option for postoperative fluid management in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.