Fast-track colorectal surgery program reduces hospital length of stay.
OBJECTIVE
This study compared outcomes of a fast-track postoperative program implemented for patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery on 2 surgical units to patients receiving traditional postoperative care following laparoscopic colorectal surgery prior to implementation of the fast-track program.


OBJECTIVE
The primary aim was to determine if there was a significant difference in length of stay and 30-day readmission rates between the 2 groups. The secondary aim was to examine whether patients on the fast-track program were able to successfully tolerate early diet, early ambulation, and minimal use of drains.


METHODS
The study was conducted at a large Midwestern hospital.


METHODS
A retrospective medical record review was done on 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery on the fast-track program for data pertaining to the research questions. Additionally, a medical record review was done for comparison on 100 matched controls based on age, sex, surgeon, and surgical procedure who received traditional postoperative care following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.


RESULTS
A statistical significant difference of 1 day was found between patients receiving traditional care and patients on the fast-track program. Readmission rates between the 2 groups were not statistically significantly different.


CONCLUSIONS
: Overall, patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery on a fast-track program discharged 1 day sooner than patients on traditional recovery programs. Patients successfully followed the fast-track program.


CONCLUSIONS
Fast-track programs in colorectal surgery reduce length of stay and could be considered for other surgical populations.
General Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. baird.gayle@mayo.edu
Gayle
G
Baird
Pamela
P
Maxson
Diane
D
Wrobleski
Barbara S
BS
Luna
D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery*; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery*