Abstract: Background: Fast track protocols are a multidisciplinary structured approach which provides standardized evidence-based components of care to patients undergoing specific types of surgery. The aim of this work was to compare fast track to traditional care following elective surgery regarding the impacts on hospital stay, postoperative pain, mobilization and feeding resumption.
Methods: This prospective, non-randomized, comparative, open-label trial was carried out on 74 patients aged more than 18 years old, both sexes, with elective pathological lesions requiring elective surgical intervention, and classified as American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) class I, II and III. Patients were divided into two equal groups: Group I: Fast track group, Group II (control group): Conventional group.
Results: A statistically significant higher usage of multimodal analgesia (p<0.001)) and lower nasogastric tube insertion in fast-track group compared to conventional care group was found (p<0.001). Feeding resumption and drain removal was earlier in fast-track group with lower pain score using pain scaling rates. no significant difference between both groups in postoperative complications.
Conclusions: The Fast track protocols are effective and safe in elective settings.
