Fast Track Postoperative Management after Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Controlled Trail

Abstract

In the attempt to reduce postoperative complications and costs and improve outcomes, the concept of fast track surgery has been proposed. Improvements in anesthesia techniques and a better understanding of the pathophysiologic events occurring during and after surgery have made it possible. A group of patients undergoing colorectal resections with a fast track approach were investigated; specifically, the effects on postoperative morbidity, resumption of intestinal function, and duration of hospitalization. Fifty patients were managed according to a protocol, which included epidural analgesia, early ambulation, and oral feeding (fast track group); they were compared with 50 patients managed with a different protocol: no epidural analgesia, early ambulation, and early oral diet (control group). Primary outcome end-points reported include morbidity, time to passage of flatus and stool, and length of hospital stay. Fourteen complications occurred in the fast track group and 13 in the control group ( P = not significant (NS)). Resumption of intestinal function occurred after 3 days, and length of hospital stay was 5 days in the fast track group compared with 4 and 7 days respectively in control patients ( P = NS, P < 0.01). Patients undergoing elective colorectal resections can be managed safely with fast track protocols reducing hospital stay.