• Gayle Baird, Pamela Maxson, Diane Wrobleski, and Barbara S Luna.
• General Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. baird.gayle@mayo.edu
• Clin Nurse Spec. 2010 Jul 1; 24 (4): 202-8.

PurposeThis study compared outcomes of a fast-track postoperative program implemented for patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery on 2 surgical units to patients receiving traditional postoperative care following laparoscopic colorectal surgery prior to implementation of the fast-track program.AimsThe primary aim was to determine if there was a significant difference in length of stay and 30-day readmission rates between the 2 groups. The secondary aim was to examine whether patients on the fast-track program were able to successfully tolerate early diet, early ambulation, and minimal use of drains.SettingThe study was conducted at a large Midwestern hospital.MethodA retrospective medical record review was done on 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery on the fast-track program for data pertaining to the research questions. Additionally, a medical record review was done for comparison on 100 matched controls based on age, sex, surgeon, and surgical procedure who received traditional postoperative care following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.FindingsA statistical significant difference of 1 day was found between patients receiving traditional care and patients on the fast-track program. Readmission rates between the 2 groups were not statistically significantly different.Conclusion: Overall, patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery on a fast-track program discharged 1 day sooner than patients on traditional recovery programs. Patients successfully followed the fast-track program.ImplicationsFast-track programs in colorectal surgery reduce length of stay and could be considered for other surgical populations.

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