Simoes CM, et al. - In this prospective observational study including all patients (age > 18) undergoing abdominal surgery for cancer at a single institution between June 2011 and August 2013, researchers investigated the determinants of perioperative complications using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. Exclusion criteria included patients undergoing emergency surgery, palliative procedures, or participating in other studies. The identified independent predictors of postoperative major complications included age, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status greater than or equal to 3, a preoperative haemoglobin level lower than 12 g/dL, intraoperative use of colloids, total amount of intravenous fluids, intraoperative blood losses greater than 500 mL, and hypotension needing vasopressor support. The inclusion of treatment of preoperative anaemia and an optimal fluid strategy, avoiding fluid overload and intraoperative use of colloids was recommended in a perioperative strategy focused on attenuating perioperative complications in cancer surgery.