title: Fast-track surgery for gastroenteric neoplasms: a meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Fast-track surgery has been shown to enhance postoperative recovery. The objective of the study was to determine the differences of fast-track surgery and conventional care for patients with gastroenteric neoplasms.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for related trials to compare hospital stay and rates of complications and readmission.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen randomized controlled trials, with 1,962 patients, were included. Results showed the length of hospital stay was significantly reduced in the fast-track group. The complications rate was lowered in colorectal surgery. There were no significant differences in rate of readmissions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Current trials show that fast-track surgery may reduce the length of hospital stay and lower the rate of complications of gastroenteric surgery.
authors.forename: Yi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shao
authors.forename: Ling-Lin
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Zou
authors.forename: Qing-Hua
authors.initials: QH
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Dian-Sheng
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Zhong
authors.forename: Feng-Jie
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ma
mesh_terms: D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome