Fast-track surgery in radical retropubic prostatectomy. First experiences with a comprehensive program to enhance postoperative convalescence

Fast-track surgery is a comprehensive program for the optimization of perioperative care in elective surgery reducing potential postoperative complications and speeding up convalescence. Recent data from randomized colon resection trials emphasize that fast-track surgery is possible in most major operations. Our initial results in radical retropubic prostatectomy fast-track surgery have been encouraging. Fast-track surgery in major urological operations needs validation using randomized trials.     

Radikale retropubische „Fast-track-Prostatektomie“

Fast-track surgery is a comprehensive program for the optimization of perioperative care in elective surgery reducing potential postoperative complications and speeding up convalescence. Recent data from randomized colon resection trials emphasize that fast-track surgery is possible in most major operations. Our initial results in radical retropubic prostatectomy fast-track surgery have been encouraging. Fast-track surgery in major urological operations needs validation using randomized trials.     

"Fast-track surgery": Perioperative management

The multimodal therapeutic concept of fast-track surgery is directed against the pathophysiologic functional changes following elective surgery. This concept has been proven to reduce postoperative morbidity and convalescence. This benefit is based on an interdisciplinary approach by surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses, and physiotherapy staff to optimise perioperative care in order to decrease surgically-induced stress. Fast-track surgery after elective colorectal surgery has been shown to reduce the rate of postoperative complications and shorten hospital stay significantly. A prerequisite for successfully implementing this concept is the willingness of the participating surgeons to abandon conventional traditions. In addition to abdominal procedures, the basic concept of fast-track surgery has been successfully instituted in other surgical fields, such as urology.     

Fast-track surgery in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: basic principles

Fast-track surgery describes innovative treatment concepts ensuring a faster convalescence phase. The aim of this study was to allow hospital discharge 3 days after surgery without additional complications in patients receiving LRPE for localized prostate cancer. Twenty-five patients each were randomized in the study groups to verify if a fast-track regimen could be transferred into clinical routine. The perioperative data, early complications, hospital stay as well as readmission rate were analyzed. The mean postoperative stay was 3.6 days in the fast-track group versus 6.7 days in the conventional group. The overall complications were significantly less in the fast-track procedure. The readmission rate was low and not significant. Patients receiving an LRPE benefit from a suitable fast-track concept. The postoperative hospital stay could be shortened nearly by half with a significantly decreased overall complication rate. Thus, fast-track concepts might contribute to saving resources in the long term. However, more evidence based on larger prospective trials is needed to achieve optimal quality of life for patients perioperatively.     

„Fast-track“ bei laparoskopisch radikaler Prostatektomie

BACKGROUND: Fast-track surgery describes perioperative treatment concepts ensuring a faster postoperative convalescence phase. By using a multimodal fast-track concept in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of this procedure after elective surgery and a possible discharge 3 days postoperatively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients per group were randomized for conventional or fast-track treatment, respectively. Perioperative data, early complications, possible hospital discharge, and readmission rate were analyzed. Before hospital discharge, all patients were interviewed about their evaluation of the received regimen and their overall satisfaction perioperatively. RESULTS: The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.6 days in the fast-track group vs. 6.7 days in the conventional group (p<0.01). Overall complications were low but were significant between the two groups, with the fast-track procedure being more favorable. Readmission rate was also low but was not significant. Overall satisfaction was significantly higher in the fast-track group, whereas the subjective evaluation did not differ between the two regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Fast-track concepts are well transferable in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy settings. Patients receiving this procedure, as well as clinics offering it, may benefit from a suitable fast-track concept.     

„Fast-track-Rehabilitation“ in der Thoraxchirurgie

OBJECTIVES: "Fast-track" rehabilitation is a multimodal perioperative treatment concept for accelerating postoperative recovery which has been already used successfully in visceral surgery. Of its use in thoracic surgery however, almost no data exist and the relevance of this concept for pulmonary operations is unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study we examined a new perioperative fast-track treatment concept for thoracic surgery and evaluated the results. This program employs detailed information of patients, intensive perioperative respiratory therapy, thoracic peridural analgesia, forced mobilization, and an early start of postoperative normal food intake. RESULTS: Fifty consecutive patients with benign or malignant diseases of the lung aged an average of 64 years (range 22-78) were operated on thoracoscopically (n=15) or with thoracotomy (n=35) and treated perioperatively using the fast-track program. All patients were mobilized beginning 4 h postoperatively and had normal food. The incidence of general postoperative complications was 0% in this study. Postoperative stay lasted 4.5 days (range 1.5-28.5). There was no increase in surgical complications, and 6% of the patients were readmitted. The patients' acceptance of this concept was high. CONCLUSION: Fast-track rehabilitation resulted in a decreased rate of general complications and accelerated rehabilitation in thoracic surgery.     

Fast-track rehabilitation in elective colorectal surgery patients: a prospective clinical and immunological single-centre study

BACKGROUND: Recent clinical data indicate that fast-track surgery (multimodal rehabilitation) leads to shorter postoperative length of hospital stay, faster recovery of gastrointestinal function as well as reduced morbidity and mortality rates. To date, no study has focused on the effects of fast-track surgery on postoperative immune function. This study was initiated to determine whether fast-track rehabilitation results in improved clinical and immunological outcome of patients undergoing colorectal surgery. METHODS: Forty patients underwent either conventional or fast-track rehabilitation after colorectal surgery. In addition to clinical parameters (return of gastrointestinal function, food intake, pain score, complication rates and postoperative length of stay), we determined parameters of perioperative immunity by flow cytometry (lymphocyte subgroups) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (interleukin-6). RESULTS: Our findings indicate a better-preserved cell-mediated immune function (T cells, T-helper cells, natural killer cells) after fast-track rehabilitation, whereas the pro-inflammatory response (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) was unchanged in both study groups. Furthermore, we detected a significantly faster return of gastrointestinal function (first bowel movement P<0.001, food intake P<0.05), significantly reduced pain scores in the postoperative course (P < 0.05) and a significantly shorter length of postoperative stay (P<0.001) in patients undergoing fast-track rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Fast-track rehabilitation after colorectal surgery results in better-preserved cell-mediated immunity when compared with conventional postoperative care. Furthermore, patients undergoing fast-track rehabilitation suffer from less pain and have a faster return of gastrointestinal function in the postoperative course. In addition, postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in fast-track patients.     

快速康复外科理念在食管癌治疗中的应用

目的探讨快速康复外科理念在食管癌患者围手术期的应用及对患者的临床结局的影响。方法收集2011年1-6月间南京医科大学附属淮安第一医院胸外科接受食管癌根治术的食管鳞癌患者117例,其中4-6月63例（研究组）,围手术期采用快速康复外科理念进行处理：1～3月接受手术54例（对照组）,围手术期按常规处理。结果研究组术后排气时间、术后拔除胸腔引流管时间、术后住院时间及住院总费用均显著低于对照组（P〈O．05）：手术时间两组差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。研究组和对照组总并发症的发生率分别为7．9％（5／63）和24．1％（13／54）,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论食管癌患者围手术期应用快速康复外科理念,可促进术后肠功能恢复．减少术后并发症发生率．从而改善患者的临床结局．     

Der Stellenwert minimal-invasiver Operationstechniken im Fast-track-Konzept für die Gefäßmedizin

Fast-track surgery is a therapeutic concept for minimizing perioperative complications by strictly controlling preoperative and postoperative risk factors. This concept was introduced in the 1990s by the Danish surgeon Prof. Kehlet and the aim is to avoid general and specific drawbacks and an optimized rehabilitation. A core part of the fast-track concept is mobilization of the patient beginning on the same day as surgery. Although strongly disputed during the first years after introduction, this method has now become established in general surgery in Germany since 2004. However, there is still a lack of data in the literature on fast-track concepts in vascular surgery.     

快速康复外科在胃癌外科的应用与展望

快速康复外科是利用新的医学证据为优化围手术期患者管理提供依据,外科医师通过整合和应用这些新证据形成一整套围手术期的管理方法,以达到减少患者生理及心理上的应激反应,加快患者的康复.快速康复外科已应用于多种外科疾病的治疗,包括心脏手术、全膝关节置换、结直肠手术等.胃癌是世界第四常见、病死率第二的恶性肿瘤.外科手术是胃癌治疗的里程碑,也是唯一的、有效的根治胃癌的手段.但快速康复外科在胃癌治疗中的应用还在不断完善.本文就快速康复外科在胃癌外科的应用进展进行综述.     

Implementation of the scientific evidence into daily practice – example from fast-track colonic cancer surgery

Objective  To report the implementation and results of fast-track surgery for colonic cancer in the daily routine.
Method  A total of 131 consecutive patients scheduled for elective colonic cancer resections entered a fast-track perioperative course after thorough information. The regimen contained: no preoperative bowel cleansing, transverse and small abdominal incisions, no dains nor tubes, mobilization and normal meal the evening on the day of surgery, epidural analgesia, oral laxatives, and a planned discharge on postoperative day 3.
Results  Median number of days postoperative in hospital were 4 days (range 1–46). Eighty-nine per cent experienced an uncomplicated course, 3% were readmitted within 30 days, and the 30-day mortality was 3.8%.
Conclusion  Fast-track surgery is feasible in an unselected patient population scheduled for elective colon cancer resections without compromising quality.     

麻醉医生在快通道外科手术中的作用：从多模式镇痛到围手术期管理

背景提高围手术期效率和手术患者周转率在现代麻醉工作中的重要性日益增强。快通道外科是通过多学科合作加快小手术（不住院）和大手术（住院）患者的手术后康复，以提高围手术期效率的一种方法。本文关注的是麻醉医生在快通道外科中日益重要的作用。方法2005年秋天，一个由多学科临床研究人员组成的小组在McGill（麦吉尔）大学召开会议，探讨目前麻醉科和外科人员在促进患者手术后康复过程中所做的工作。会议指定一组与会者评估相关同行评议的文献，了解麻醉医生作为一名围手术期医生起到的作用。结果麻醉医生作为围手术期医生，在快通道外科中起着关键性作用。麻醉医生需要选择适当的手术前用药、麻醉药物和技术，采用预防性药物将副作用（如疼痛、恶心、呕吐、头晕）降至最低，还可以通过辅助药物，调节患者手术中和手术后主要器官和系统的功能。结论成功开展快通道外科的手术治疗小组必需充分发挥麻醉医生在围手术期的关键性作用。     

腹腔镜结直肠癌手术患者快通道康复的近期价值

目的:探讨快通道外科技术在腹腔镜结直肠癌根治术中的应用价值。方法:2008年1月至2008年6月我院为52例腹腔镜结直肠癌患者行快速康复,并与同期68例开腹手术进行对比研究,统计其围手术期处理、并发症发生率及经济学指标。结果:腹腔镜组(快通道组)出血量少于开腹组(传统方法组)(P0.05)。两组切口感染、肺部感染、尿路感染、术后腹痛差异有统计学意义(P0.05),快通道组术后通气时间及术后自理恢复时间明显短于传统方法组。二者住院费用差异无统计学意义。结论:快通道技术用于腹腔镜结直肠癌手术安全,有利于促进患者早期康复,在临床结直肠癌腹腔镜手术中具有广阔的应用前景。     

加速康复外科的临床应用进展

随着外科技术和多种辅助治疗手段的不断进步,患者外科手术后的康复取得了一定成绩,但仍然存在诸多问题.而加速康复外科采用已证实有效的各种方法,如术前思想准备、术前肠管准备新观点、术中麻醉管理、微创外科的应用、液体管理及体温维持以及术后早期活动、早期进食对症治疗及镇痛的应用等,可以减少手术应激及常见并发症发生率,减少患者痛苦,加速患者术后康复,从而达到缩短住院日期的目的 .加速康复外科追求"以患者为中心",使患者在住院期间最大获益是加速康复外科治疗技术的最终目的 .     

Reduced length of stay following hip and knee arthroplasty in Denmark 2000–2009: from research to implementation

Introduction  

Fast-track surgery is the combination of optimized clinical and organizational factors aiming at reducing convalescence and perioperative morbidity including the functional recovery resulting in reduced hospitalization. As the previous nationwide studies have demonstrated substantial variations in length of stay (LOS) following standardized operations such as total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA), this nationwide study was undertaken to evaluate the implementation process of fast-track THA and TKA in Denmark.     

快速康复外科模式在腹腔镜胃癌根治术中的应用

目的：评价快速康复外科（FTS）在接受择期手术的腹腔镜胃癌根治术（D2根治）患者中的安全性和有效性。方法：将68例拟接受择期腹腔镜手术的胃癌患者分为快速康复组和传统治疗组,每组34例。快速康复组围手术期接受快速康复方案处理,传统治疗组接受传统的围手术期处理。观察术后首次排气时间、术后住院时间、住院总费用及术后并发症等。结果：两组病人均痊愈出院。快速康复组患者与传统手术相比,首次排气时间提前、术后的住院时间缩短、住院总费用减少（P〈0．05）。术后并发症发生率没有增加（P〉0．05）。结论：快速康复外科模式在接受择期腹腔镜手术的胃癌患者中安全可行,加快了患者术后康复,缩短了术后住院时间,降低了医疗费用。     

Fast-track concepts in routine pediatric surgery: a prospective study in 436 infants and children

Background and aims  The aim of this study was to investigate fast-track concepts in routine pediatric surgery in a university clinic over 1 year. Patients/methods  Fast-track concepts were established for procedures requiring hospital admission in patients up to 15 years of age. Patients were studied prospectively from June 2006 to June 2007. Results  Out of a total of 436 potentially suitable patients, 155 (36%) were finally treated following the protocols. The mean intensity of pain in children younger than 4 years (CHIPPS, 0–10) was 1.3 ± 1.5 the evening of the operation day and decreased to <1 at all other time points. The initial postoperative mean pain intensity in older children (Smiley/VAS, 1–10) was 3.7 ± 2.2 and decreased constantly thereafter. The mean hospital stay of fast-track patients was significantly shorter compared with German diagnosis-related group data (4.6 ± 2.9 versus 9.7 ± 3.8, p < 0.01). There were four (3%) readmissions for minor complications. At follow-up after 2 weeks, 95% of patients and parents judged fast-track care as excellent. Conclusion  Fast-track concepts are feasible in one third of pediatric patients undergoing routine in-hospital surgery. Fast-track pediatric surgery achieves accelerated convalescence, minimal hospital stay, and high patient and parent satisfaction.     

Enhanced recovery in intestinal surgery

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes utilise a multi-modal and multidisciplinary approach to surgical care. The aim of ERAS is to reduce the surgical stress response, maintain physiological function and metabolic homeostasis and expedite patients' recovery to their baseline status. With its success in colorectal practice, ERAS is increasingly adopted in other surgical specialities. A good ERAS programme involves integrated pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative evidence-based practice. Successful ERAS programme translates to a standardized patient care pathway, improved clinical outcomes and shorter hospital stay, all of which will help facilitate the increasing demand on healthcare and bed pressure. Its principles and many components are transferable to other surgical specialities including acute surgical services and medical specialities to improve patient care and recovery and will soon become the standard of care for the majority of hospital inpatients.     

Fast-track video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: future challenges

Objectives To provide a short overview of fast-track video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and to identify areas requiring further research. Design A literature search was made using key words including: fast-track, enhanced recovery, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), robotic, thoracotomy, single-incision, uniportal, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), chest tube, air-leak, digital drainage, pain management, analgesia, perioperative management, anaesthesia and non-intubated. References from articles were screened for further articles. Using abstracts, areas of interest for developing a fast-track protocol were selected. Results The minimally invasive approach can be divided into several surgical methods that need further research to establish superiority. The role of intubation has to be further examined as well as the role of chest drains. Multimodal analgesic treatment including preoperative methylprednisolone seems promising and requires further research. Conclusions The fast-track data from other procedures may support future development and improvement of fast-track VATS.