Fast track colorectal surgery

Aims: 

Fast track colorectal surgery, also known as enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), is a modern approach designed to help patients recover more quickly from surgery. This approach involves a combination of evidence-based practices that span the entire perioperative period—before, during, and after surgery.  The key is to enable the patient to participate in her or his individual recovery from the very beginning.  In order to achieve this a specially trained nurse will accompany our patients before surgery, during the hospital stay and also in the postoperative phase. Thereby not only patient comfort, but also return to normal functions and discharge from the hospital are greatly enhanced and facilitated. 

Key Components:

1. Preoperative Preparation: Patients receive thorough assessments and are educated about their surgery and recovery process. This includes nutritional advice and physical preparation.  Of note: Preoperative restriction of food and fluid intake are kept to an absolute minimum with patients being able to drink within hours before and more importantly right after surgery followed by a regular diet.

2. Surgical Techniques: Minimally invasive techniques are often used to reduce trauma and stress on the body. At our institution all technically available methods including robotically assisted surgery (Da Vinci®) are being employed. It is of note; that fast track is surgery is especially effective also in open surgery.

3. Anesthesia and Pain Management: The use of specific anesthetic techniques and pain management strategies helps minimize the body's stress response to surgery, which can speed up recovery.

4. Postoperative Care: Early mobilization and feeding are encouraged to promote faster recovery. Patients are also monitored closely for any complications.  We run a special surgical intermediate care unit for the very early phase followed by a specially designed towards that allow our patients to move freely in an amicable environment.

Benefits:

• Reduced Hospital Stay: Patients typically spend less time in the hospital compared to traditional surgical methods. This becomes possible due to intensive preoperative training and the removal of any unnecessary steps taking place in the hospital.
• Lower Complication Rates: Fast track protocols have been shown to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, such as delirium and bowel function delays. This is especially important in the elderly patient.
• Faster Return to Normal Activities: Patients often return to their daily activities sooner due to the comprehensive care approach. Because of this also traveling after surgery is greatly facilitated.