[Fast-track colorectal cancer surgery]

Multimodal rehabilitation with preoperative information, reduction of surgical stress responses, optimised dynamic pain relief and early mobilisation and oral nutrition reduce hospital stay, morbidity and convalescence in colorectal procedures. In addition, the results of fast-track colonic surgery suggest that postoperative pulmonary, cardiovascular and muscle function are improved and body composition preserved. Consequently, the hospital stay may be reduced to about two to four days. Preliminary studies suggest similar improvements in more complex colorectal procedures.