[Quicker recovery from elective colon surgery: anaesthesiological aspects of the fast-track programme]

A multidisciplinary approach for patients who will undergo colonic resection was introduced in 2006 and 2007 in 26 Dutch hospitals, following several other European centres. This approach aims to place the patient in an optimal metabolic state before operation, with subsequent rapid mobilisation and resumption of oral intake of liquids and solid food. The surgeon, anaesthetist, and nursing staff collaborate in this approach, each taking responsibility for specific tasks. The anaesthesiological tasks consist of withholding preoperative intake of drink and food, appropriate pain reduction, perioperative fluid balance management, use of inotropic and vasopressor drugs, prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting, and addressing possible immunological consequences of surgery.