[Results of applying a fast-track protocol in a colorectal surgery unit: comparative study]

To implement a fast-track (FT) protocol in a colorectal surgery unit, checking its safety when applied to patients subjected to elective colorectal surgery, by evaluating the differences in morbidity and hospital stay compared to a control group with traditional care. We also analyse the functional recovery of the FT group.

A prospective cohort study with non-concurrent control, was conducted on a group of 108 patients operated on for colorectal cancer between 2008 and 2009, to which the FT protocol was applied, and a control group (CG) of 147 patients subjected to surgery between 2005 and 2007 with similar characteristics, with traditional postoperative care.

The demographic characteristics, anaesthetic risk, and the surgical procedures performed were similar, with a higher number of patients with laparoscopic approach in the FT group. The compliance with the items in our FT protocol was high (72.2-92.6%). Complications were observed in 77 patients (52%) in the GC compared to 30 (27.8%) in the FT group (P<.001), mainly due to the decrease in surgical wound infection (P<.001). Mortality and the number of readmissions were less in the FT group, with no statistically significant differences. The median hospital stay was 14 days in the CG and 8 in the FT group (P<.001).

The applying of an FT program in colorectal surgery is safe, leading to a significant decrease in morbidity and hospital stay, without increasing the number of readmissions.