Current perioperative practice in rectal surgery in Austria and Germany.

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Rehabilitation
• Perioperative Care

Background:

• Fast-track rehabilitation protocols accelerate recovery and reduce hospital stays, particularly after colonic resections.
• While evidence supports the safety and feasibility of fast-track concepts in rectal resections, their adoption rates remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the acceptance and utilization of fast-track rehabilitation concepts among surgeons in Austria and Germany for rectal resections.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was distributed to chief surgeons at 1,270 German and 120 Austrian surgical centers.
• The survey focused on perioperative routines for elective, open rectal resections.

Main Results:

• Response rates were 63% in Austria and 30% in Germany.
• Most surgeons continue traditional practices like mechanical bowel preparation. However, early fluid intake, mobilization, and epidural analgesia are common.
• Institutions using fast-track protocols reported earlier patient discharge compared to those using traditional care.

Conclusions:

• Austrian and German surgeons largely adhere to traditional perioperative approaches for rectal resections.
• Evidence-based adaptations for perioperative routines are being slowly integrated into clinical practice.
• Enhanced efforts are required to optimize patient care through wider implementation of fast-track rehabilitation.