Central venous pressure (CVP) is deemed to be an important parameter of anesthesia management in liver surgery. To reduce blood loss during liver resections, a low target value of CVP is often propagated. Although current meta-analyses have shown a connection between low CVP and a reduction in blood loss, the underlying studies show methodological weaknesses and advantages with respect to morbidity and mortality can hardly be proven. The measurement of the CVP itself is associated with numerous limitations and influencing factors and the measures to reduce the CVP have been insufficiently investigated with respect to hepatic hemodynamics. The definition of a generally valid target area for the CVP must be called into question. The primary objective is to maintain adequate oxygen supply and euvolemia. The CVP should be regarded as a mosaic stone of hemodynamic management.
Keywords: CVP; Hemodynamics; Hepatobiliary surgery; Liver surgery; Monitoring.