In predefined subgroup analyses , findings did not vary by surgical approach ( open vs laparoscopic ) or colorectal condition .
CONCLUSIONS : Enhanced recovery protocol s for adults undergoing colorectal surgery improve patient outcomes with no increase in adverse events .
Evidence was insufficient regarding which components , or component combinations , are key to improving patient outcomes .
BACKGROUND : Enhanced surgical recovery protocol s are design ed to reduce hospital length of stay and health care costs .
OBJECTIVE : This study aims to systematic ally review and summarize evidence from r and omized and controlled clinical trials comparing enhanced recovery protocol s versus usual care in  adults undergoing elective colorectal surgery with emphasis on recent trials , protocol components , and subgroups for surgical approach and colorectal condition .
A Comparative Study of ‘Fast-Track’ Versus Traditional Peri-Operative Care Protocols in Gastrointestinal Surgeries
Introduction A ‘ fast-track protocol ’ in surgery suggests the application of evidence -based practice s to expedite patient recovery . It has shown to reduce hospital stay , hasten recovery as well as facilitate earlier return to work . It has a considerable impact in reducing healthcare costs . The basic tenet is to treat the patient ’s disease by minimal disturbance of their physiology . The protocol encompasses pre-operative , intra-operative and post-operative interventions which when carried out together would show maximal benefits . The surgeon is usually the leader of the team managing the patient , but it can not be over-emphasised that this is a multi-disciplinary team approach . Material s and Methods We conducted a prospect i ve interventional study to investigate whether ‘ fast-track ’ surgery protocol s improve patient outcome when compared to traditional peri-operative care followed at our institute . By doing so , we observed that the patients who underwent ‘ fast tracking ’  required lesser analgesia , had earlier ambulation , earlier return of intestinal motility , were free from tubes , catheters and drains earlier and lastly were discharged earlier . This was achieved without a rise in complications or re-admissions . Results / Conclusion The results have proved that implementing the fast-track protocol for gastrointestinal surgeries is not only safe and effective , but also improves patient outcome
In predefined subgroup analyses , findings did not vary by surgical approach ( open vs laparoscopic ) or colorectal condition .
CONCLUSIONS : Enhanced recovery protocol s for adults undergoing colorectal surgery improve patient outcomes with no increase in adverse events .
Evidence was insufficient regarding which components , or component combinations , are key to improving patient outcomes .
BACKGROUND : Enhanced surgical recovery protocol s are design ed to reduce hospital length of stay and health care costs .
OBJECTIVE : This study aims to systematic ally review and summarize evidence from r and omized and controlled clinical trials comparing enhanced recovery protocol s versus usual care in  adults undergoing elective colorectal surgery with emphasis on recent trials , protocol components , and subgroups for surgical approach and colorectal condition .