Fast Track Colorectal Surgery - A Regional Base Hospital Experience
North Coast Area Health Service
Abstract
Fast track colorectal surgery programs are multi-modal rehabilitation approach to patients undergoing colorectal surgery. The aim of fast track colorectal surgery programs is to reduce the patients surgical stress response, optimise pain relief and support early mobilisation and oral nutrition through the introduction of a range of evidence based interventions (Jackobsen et al 2006).
Since the implementation of the fast-track colorectal resection protocol there have been 24 patients who have undergone the fast track colorectal surgery approach. The outcomes achieved include a reduction in median length of stay from 10 days to 6 days with nil adverse events related to the fast track protocol. A patient satisfaction survey undertaken 28 days post surgery has revealed that there was a high level of satisfaction with the 'fast track approach' to colorectal surgery including education received pre-operatively, pain management post operatively and level of fatigue.
This project was a finalist in the 2007 NSW Health Awards, Smart Choices about the Costs and Benefits of Health Services category.
The full entry document can be downloaded in the formats listed below:
Download the Presentation (
pdf - 396 KB) from the 2007 NSW Health Expo.
