title: Enhanced recovery after colorectal surgery in elderly patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The elderly will soon constitute 20% of the population. Their number is constantly rising, particularly in developed countries. It was found that they particularly benefit from the use of minimally invasive surgery. The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol may further improve clinical outcomes in this group of patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the implementation of the ERAS protocol in elderly patients submitted to laparoscopic colorectal surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-two patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery were included in the study. Patients were divided into group 1 (≤ 65 years) and group 2 (> 65 years). Perioperative care was based on ERAS Society guidelines. Length of hospital stay, time of first stool passage, perioperative complications and readmissions were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Group 2 patients had higher ASA grades in comparison to group 1. In all cases, oral fluid intake started on the day of surgery. The groups did not differ according to oral fluid tolerance, first stool passage time or length of hospital stay. Number and character of perioperative complications were comparable between the two groups. Four patients were readmitted within 30 days after discharge. One patient required reoperation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Implementation of the ERAS protocol is possible regardless of the age of surgical patients. Its use in the elderly allows the length of hospitalization to be shortened and is not associated with higher risk of postoperative complications or readmissions.
authors.affiliation: Second Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Mikhail
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kisialeuski
authors.affiliation: Second Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Michał
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pędziwiatr
authors.affiliation: Second Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matłok
authors.affiliation: Second Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Major
authors.affiliation: Second Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Marcin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Migaczewski
authors.affiliation: Second Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Damian
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kołodziej
authors.affiliation: Second Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zub-Pokrowiecka
authors.affiliation: Medical College Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Magdalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pisarska
authors.affiliation: Second Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Budzyński
authors.affiliation: Second Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Budzyński
keywords: enhanced recovery; evidence-based medicine; fast-track; postoperative care