Resultados de la implantación de un protocolo de fast-track en una unidad de cirugía colorrectal: estudio comparativo / Results of applying a fast-track protocol in a colorectal surgery unit: comparative study

Objetivo: Implantar un protocolo de fast-track (FT) en una unidad de cirugía colorrectal, comprobando la seguridad de aplicación del mismo, en pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal electiva, mediante la evaluación de las diferencias de morbilidad y estancia hospitalaria con respecto a un grupo control (GC) con cuidados tradicionales. Analizamos también la recuperación funcional del grupo FT. Material y método Se compararon mediante un estudio de cohorte prospectivo con control no concurrente, un grupo de 108 pacientes intervenidos por cáncer colorrectal entre 2008 y 2009, a los que se les aplicó el protocolo FT y un GC de 147 pacientes intervenidos entre 2005 y 2007 de similares características, con cuidados postoperatorios tradicionales. Resultados Fueron similares en ambos grupos las características demográficas, el riesgo anestésico y los procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados, con un mayor número de pacientes con abordaje laparoscópico en el grupo FT. El cumplimiento de los ítems incluidos en nuestro protocolo FT fue elevado (72,2-92,6%).Se observaron complicaciones en 77 pacientes (52%) del GC frente a 30 (27,8%) en el grupo FT (p<0,001), debido fundamentalmente a la disminución de la infección de la herida quirúrgica (p<0,001). Mortalidad y número de reingresos fueron menores en el grupo FT, sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. La mediana de estancia hospitalaria fue de 14 días en el GC y de 8 en el FT (p<0,001).Conclusiones La aplicación de un programa de FT en cirugía colorrectal es segura, permitiendo una disminución significativa de la morbilidad y la estancia hospitalaria, sin aumentar el número de reingresos (AU)

Objective: 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. Material and method: 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. Results: 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).Conclusions: 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 (AU)

[Results of applying a fast-track protocol in a colorectal surgery unit: comparative study]. / Resultados de la implantación de un protocolo de fast-track en una unidad de cirugía colorrectal: estudio comparativo.

OBJECTIVE: 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. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.