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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2003; 16(2): 085-090
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-40745
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

'Fast-Track' Postoperative Management Protocols for Colorectal Surgery

Anthony J. Senagore, Conor P. Delaney
  • Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
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Publication History

Publication Date:
18 July 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The traditional postoperative hospital stay after major gastrointestinal surgery has been lengthy. Advances in healthcare, increased understanding of postoperative physiology, financial pressure of healthcare payers, the impact of laparoscopic colectomy, and the increasing scarcity of ancillary healthcare personnel also have created a need to maximize the use of available hospital beds. These factors and the implementation of appropriately designed accelerated and standardized postoperative care pathways have demonstrated that open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery patients are indeed capable of shorter periods of ileus, an earlier tolerance of a general diet, and that early discharge may be accomplished safely for the patient, even after intestinal anastomosis.

KEYWORDS

Postoperative care - hospital stay - epidural anesthesia - care plans

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