A Fast-Track Protocol Benefits Laparoscopic Colectomy Patients
A Fast-Track Protocol Benefits Laparoscopic Colectomy Patients
Larson DW, Batdorf NJ, Touzios JG, et al
J Am Coll Surg. 2010;211:485-489
Does "fast-track" surgical care benefit patients undergoing laparoscopic colonic surgery? The authors retrospectively reviewed and compared 99 patients who received fast-track care (including patient education, no drains, minimal opioids, early feeding, and no oral bowel preparation) with 235 patients who did not receive such care and underwent a laparoscopic procedure for diverticulitis. Both groups were similar with respect to age, sex, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class. Patients who received fast-track care had a shorter hospital stay (P < .001), fewer wound infections (P = .02), and lower morbidity rates (P = .03).
A fast-track approach has already been found to be beneficial for patients undergoing open colectomy. This report extends the benefits of this minimalist approach to patients undergoing laparoscopic colonic surgery. Laparoscopic colonic surgery has many advantages over open colonic surgery, and this report emphasizes that a fast-track protocol can further improve results. Additional studies are needed to confirm the findings because this was not a randomized trial, but these results show great promise.
Abstract
A Fast-Track Recovery Protocol Improves Outcomes in Elective Laparoscopic Colectomy for Diverticulitis
Larson DW, Batdorf NJ, Touzios JG, et al
J Am Coll Surg. 2010;211:485-489
Summary
Does "fast-track" surgical care benefit patients undergoing laparoscopic colonic surgery? The authors retrospectively reviewed and compared 99 patients who received fast-track care (including patient education, no drains, minimal opioids, early feeding, and no oral bowel preparation) with 235 patients who did not receive such care and underwent a laparoscopic procedure for diverticulitis. Both groups were similar with respect to age, sex, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class. Patients who received fast-track care had a shorter hospital stay (P < .001), fewer wound infections (P = .02), and lower morbidity rates (P = .03).
Viewpoint
A fast-track approach has already been found to be beneficial for patients undergoing open colectomy. This report extends the benefits of this minimalist approach to patients undergoing laparoscopic colonic surgery. Laparoscopic colonic surgery has many advantages over open colonic surgery, and this report emphasizes that a fast-track protocol can further improve results. Additional studies are needed to confirm the findings because this was not a randomized trial, but these results show great promise.
Abstract
