A pattern of consistent evolution in fast-track protocol s was clearly demonstrated and these have shown variations in the core-identified components across the studies .
In the future incremental gains through focused improvements in key components will lend itself to even better postoperative outcomes and patient experience during oesophageal cancer treatment
Fast track is a st and ardised goal directed patient 's care pathway that aims to facilitate recovery following surgery .
Currently , there are large variations in the fast track protocol s used in oesophagectomy due to the complexity of the procedure .
The objective of this systematic review is to assess the evolution of fast track protocol s  following oesophagectomy  since its implementation and the result ing effect on postoperative outcomes .
Impact of adherence to care pathway interventions on recovery following bowel resection within an established enhanced recovery program
Introduction Guidelines recommend incorporation of more than 20 perioperative interventions within an enhanced recovery program ( ERP ) . However , the impact of overall adherence to the pathway and the relative contribution of each intervention are unclear . The aim of this study was to estimate the extent to which adherence to ERP elements is associated with outcomes and identify key ERP elements predicting successful recovery following bowel resection . Methods Prospect ively collected data entered in a registry specifically design ed for ERPs were review ed . Patients undergoing elective bowel resection between 2012 and 2014 were treated within an ERP comprising 23 care elements . Primary outcome was successful recovery defined as the absence of complications , discharge by postoperative day 4 and no readmission . Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay ( LOS ) , 30-day morbidity , and severity ( Comprehensive complication index , CCI , 0–100 ) . Regression analyses were adjusted for potential confounders . Results A total of 347 patients were included in the study .  Median primary LOS was 4 days ( IQR 3–7 ) . Patients were adherent to median 18 ( IQR 16–20 ) elements . A total of 156 ( 45 % ) patients had successful recovery . Morbidity occurred in 175 ( 50 % ) patients with median CCI 8.6 ( IQR 0–22.6 ) . There was a positive association between adherence and successful recovery ( OR 1.39 for every additional element , p < 0.001 ) , LOS ( 11 % reduction for every additional element , p < 0.001 ) , 30-day postoperative morbidity ( OR 0.78 , p < 0.001 ) , and the CCI ( 17 % reduction , p < 0.001 ) . Laparoscopy ( OR 4.32 , p < 0.001 ) , early mobilization out of bed ( OR 2.25 , p = 0.021 ) , and early termination of IV fluid infusion ( OR 2.00 , p = 0.013 ) significantly predicted successful recovery . These factors were also associated with reduced morbidity and complication severity . Conclusions Increased adherence to ERP interventions was associated with successful early recovery and a reduction in postoperative morbidity and complication severity . In an established ERP where overall adherence was high , laparoscopic approach , perioperative fluid management , and patient mobilization remain key elements associated with improved outcomes
A pattern of consistent evolution in fast-track protocol s was clearly demonstrated and these have shown variations in the core-identified components across the studies .
In the future incremental gains through focused improvements in key components will lend itself to even better postoperative outcomes and patient experience during oesophageal cancer treatment
Fast track is a st and ardised goal directed patient 's care pathway that aims to facilitate recovery following surgery .
Currently , there are large variations in the fast track protocol s used in oesophagectomy due to the complexity of the procedure .
The objective of this systematic review is to assess the evolution of fast track protocol s  following oesophagectomy  since its implementation and the result ing effect on postoperative outcomes .