PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To find a reliable answer to the question in the title: Should fluid management in thoracic surgery be goal directed? RECENT FINDINGS: ’Moderate’ fluid regimen is the current recommendation of fluid management in thoracic anesthesia, however, especially in more risky patients; ’Goal-Directed Therapy’ (GDT) can be a more reliable approach than just ’moderate’. There are numerous studies examining its effects in general anesthesia; albeit mostly retrospective and very heterogenic. There are few studies of GDT in thoracic anesthesia with similar drawbacks. SUMMARY: Although the evidence level is low, GDT is generally associated with fewer postoperative complications. It can be helpful in decision-making for volume-optimization, timing of fluid administration, and indication of vasoactive agents.