[Fast track in vascular surgery]

Vascular comorbidities are common in vascular surgery, being associated with perioperative complications. Since it was demonstrated that the postoperative course could be optimized by introduction of the fast track concept in general surgery, application to vascular surgery may also be of benefit. The fast track concept was introduced in our institution on May 1st 2008 with special adjustments for vascular surgery. The authors describe the development and implementation of a clinical pathway, which proved to be of value in vascular surgery.