title: A flexible concept of fast track surgery for laparoscopic colorectal resections.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Laparoscopy per se improves the patient outcome allowing low pain, reduction of pulmonary dysfunction or less fatigue, better mood and psychological status on the operated on patient. In this study a series of laparoscopic colorectal resections underwent fast track in a "flexible" way.
  
  
  METHODS
  From March 2006 to March 2009, 75 patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for cancer have been prospectively evaluated. There were 46 males and 29 females with 61.4 years mean age (26-87). The cohort was divided in three group, 25 patient each, on the basis of the fast track treatment used. In the series A fast track on the whole, in the B fast track partial and in the C fast track postoperatively only.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean operating time was 81, 118, 142/76, 110, 151/83, 126, 145 minutes for right colectomy, left colectomy and rectal resection respectively in group A, B and C. The postoperative pain rating was less in the group A compared to B and C, with no differences concerning mobilization, flatus, resumption of solid feeding and mean postoperative hospital stay.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fast track management in laparoscopic colectomy is safe and effective, but it seems not essential in reducing the total hospital stay.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of General Surgery and Surgical Methodology, Ospedali Riuniti, Ancona, Italy. rcampagnacci@libero.it
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Campagnacci
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patrizi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Piangatelli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rimini
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guerrieri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D019091:Critical Pathways; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies