Implementing fast-track protocol for colorectal surgery: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Enhanced Recovery Pathways
• Surgical Protocol Optimization

Background:

• Fast-track protocols aim to improve patient recovery post-surgery.
• Key components include enhanced recovery, early return to function, and reduced hospital stays.
• This study implemented a fast-track protocol in a university hospital setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a fast-track protocol in colorectal surgery.
• To compare recovery outcomes between fast-track and conventional care groups.
• To assess the impact on hospital stay and complication incidence.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study involving 96 patients with colorectal neoplasm.
• Group 1 (FT) received the fast-track protocol; Group 2 (C) received conventional care.
• Protocol elements included pre-operative carbohydrate loading, early mobilization/feeding, prokinetics, and multimodal analgesia.

Main Results:

• Significantly shorter times to mobilization, bowel function restoration, and complete oral feeding in the fast-track group (p < 0.05).
• Hospital stay was significantly reduced in the fast-track group (p = 0.001).
• No significant difference in complication incidence between the groups.

Conclusions:

• The fast-track protocol effectively reduced recovery times and hospital stay for colorectal surgery patients.
• The protocol did not lead to an increased incidence of complications.
• Further multicenter studies are recommended for broader confirmation.