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A recent large-scale trial has provided critical insights into the use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) during surgeries. Despite its widespread adoption as a non-invasive method to monitor tissue oxygenation, the trial revealed that routine use of NIRS during certain surgeries, such as off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), may not significantly reduce postoperative complications.

The study, which involved nearly 2,000 patients, paired NIRS with continuous hemodynamic monitoring to guide treatment. However, the findings indicated no substantial difference in the incidence of common postoperative complications between patients monitored with NIRS and those who were not. This raises questions about the effectiveness of NIRS in improving surgical outcomes and highlights the need for further research to identify specific scenarios where its use may be most beneficial.

While NIRS remains a valuable tool in certain contexts, this trial underscores the importance of evidence-based practices in perioperative care. It also serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in translating advanced monitoring technologies into tangible clinical benefits.