Fast-track open colectomy is possible in a New Zealand public hospital.
BACKGROUND
In recent years, with the introduction of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) or Fast-Track protocols, perioperative care for colonic surgery has changed significantly. This is the experience of a single surgeon within a public hospital in New Zealand.


METHODS
Between October 2005 and July 2007, consecutive patients undergoing segmental colonic resection by the senior author (AGH) were managed within a multimodal structured perioperative care pathway.


RESULTS
Thirty-two consecutive patients had elective colonic surgery without a stoma. Two were excluded because of cognitive impairment. The 30 remaining patients had a median age of 68.5 years (range 37-92) and a median daystay of 3 days (range 3-21). There were four (13%) readmissions, including one anastomotic leak.


CONCLUSIONS
With a systematic, multidisciplinary approach, it is possible to implement and maintain a fast-track programme in a New Zealand public hospital.
South Auckland Clinical School of Medicine, Middlemore Hospital, Private Bag 93311, Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand.
Kamran
K
Zargar-Shoshtari
Andrew G
AG
Hill
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013997:Time Factors