title: Fast-track protocols in colorectal surgery.
abstract: Fast-track surgery (FTS) is a set of protocols aimed to reduce the physiological burden of surgery thus improving outcomes. FTS aims to use evidence-based practice to reduce complications, improve post-operative quality of life and decrease hospital length of stay. This review seeks to examine the evidence base for protocols employed in colorectal surgery in the areas of pre-operative preparation, anaesthetic management, intraoperative and surgical factors and post-operative care. Despite the evidence that recovery after colorectal surgery can be enhanced by using these approaches, implementation of FTS protocols has been slow. Acceptance of FTS protocols by all members of the multi-disciplinary team and a change in organisational structure to accommodate structured peri-operative care, are imperative to implementation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin/St James' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland. reynoljv@tcd.ie
authors.forename: Claire L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Donohoe
authors.forename: Mai
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: Sarah Geagan
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Fardziana
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zaki
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Mehigan
authors.forename: Paul H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: McCormick
authors.forename: John V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Reynolds
mesh_terms: D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000639:trends*; D004733:Enema; D005215:Fasting; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D010348:Patient Care Team; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013997:Time Factors