Fast-track in open intestinal surgery: prospective randomized study (Clinical Trials Gov Identifier no. NCT00123456).
Studies have shown the value of using fast-track postoperative recovery. Standard procedures (non-fast-track strategies) remain in common use for perioperative care. Few prospective reports exist on the outcome of fast-tracking in Central Europe. The aim of our study was to assess the effect and safety of our own fast-track protocol with regard to the postoperative period after open bowel resection.



One hundred and five patients with ASA score I-II scheduled for open intestinal resection in the period April 2005-December 2007 were randomly selected for the fast-track group (FT) and non-fast-track group (non-FT). A designed protocol was used in the FT group with the emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach. The control group (non-FT) was treated by standard established procedures. Postoperative pain, rehabilitation, gastrointestinal functions, postoperative complications, and post-op length of stay were recorded.



Of 105 patients, 103 were statistically analyzed. Patients in the FT group (n=51) and non-FT group (n=52) did not differ in age, surgical diagnosis, or procedure. The fast-track procedure led to significantly better control of postoperative pain and faster restoration of GI functions (bowel movement after 1.3 days vs. 3.1, p<0.001). Food tolerance was significantly better in the FT group and rehabilitation was also faster. Hospital stay was shorter in the FT group - median seven days (95% CI 7.0-7.7) versus ten days (95% CI 9.5-11.3) in non-FT (p<0.001). Postoperative complications within 30 postoperative days were also significantly lower in the FT group (21.6 vs. 48.1%, p=0.003). There were no deaths and no patients were readmitted within 30 days.



Following the FT protocol helped to reduce frequency of postoperative complications and reduced hospital stay. We conclude that the FT strategy is safe and effective in improving postoperative outcomes.
Serclová
Zuzana
Z
Surgical Department, University Hospital Bulovka, Prague, Czech Republic. sercl@seznam.cz
Dytrych
Petr
P
Marvan
Jaroslav
J
Nová
Katerina
K
Hankeová
Zuzana
Z
Ryska
Ondrej
O
Slégrová
Zuzana
Z
Buresová
Lucie
L
Trávníková
Lucie
L
Antos
Frantisek
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016058:Analgesia, Patient-Controlled / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001510:Bed Rest / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D018153:Czech Republic; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000601:surgery*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult