Randomized Trial on Fast Track Care in Colorectal Surgery for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis

To study the application of a fast-track care protocol in colorectal surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis. Bowel endometriosis is an infrequent but not rare condition that often needs intestinal surgery and imposes a high economic burden on society.

Prospective randomized trial (Canadian Task Force classification I).

Tertiary referral center.

Two hundred twenty-seven patients with preoperative evidence of bowel endometriosis.

We randomly assigned 227 patients with preoperative evidence of bowel endometriosis to a fast-track protocol (no preoperative bowel preparation, early restoration of diet, no postoperative antibiotics, and early postoperative mobilization) or conventional care for laparoscopic intestinal surgery. Randomization was obtained on a double-blind, date-based schedule, and all procedures were performed by a homogenous group of expert surgeons. Surgical outcomes and a health economic evaluation were assessed.

The primary outcome was hospital stay. Patient's well-being and intraoperative and postoperative complications up to 30 days after surgery were also assessed. Subsequently, direct medical costs were analyzed. Patients assigned to the fast-track protocol were discharged earlier (median 3 vs 7 days, p < .001) with no significant differences in subjective well-being (p = .55). Operative details, postoperative complications, and need of temporary ileostomy were similar (p = .89) between groups as well as readmission rates within 30 days (p = .69). The application of a fast-track protocol resulted in an overall significant reduction of costs (USD 6699 vs 8674, p < .01), and differences were more evident in cases of protective stoma (7652 vs 8793, p < .05) and surgery with postoperative complications (10 835 vs 14 005, p < .01).

The application of a fast-track care protocol for laparoscopy in cases of pelvic and intestinal endometriosis does not increase the risk of complications and ensures a reduction of medical costs.