title: Fast track program in patients undergoing radical cystectomy: results in 362 consecutive patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This article outlines our current perioperative management of patients undergoing cystectomy and urinary diversion using advancements in perioperative care to allow for early institution of an oral diet and early hospital discharge.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three hundred sixty-two consecutive patients underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion with curative intent (2001 through 2008). Each underwent a perioperative care plan ("fast track" program). Throughout our experience, evidence-based modifications to this program were instituted. We analyzed the impact of these modifications and report the outcomes with the most recent 100 patients in whom no additional modification has been used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean age of patients is 66.3 years, with 44% of the patients older than age 70 years and 12% older than age 80 years. We found no detrimental effects to immediate removal of the orogastric tube at the end of the procedure, but found a beneficial effect of empiric metoclopramide use, with lower rates of nausea and vomiting. Perioperative antibiotic coverage has been reduced to 24 hours as per American Urological Association guidelines. Gum-chewing has also been shown to be of benefit with regard to a more rapid recovery of bowel function. Use of nonnarcotic analgesics (eg, ketrolac) has also been central in the pathway. Finally, early institution of an oral diet has been an original and central component to our fast track program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Successful application of a fast track program has been applied to our patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion, with the potential to use evidence-based modifications to reduce morbidity and improve recovery.
authors.affiliation: Division of Urologic Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7235, USA. rpruthi@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: Raj S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Pruthi
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nix
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schultz
authors.forename: Eric M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Wallen
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015653:Cystectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D014547:Urinary Diversion / Q000534:rehabilitation*