Our Summary

This research paper discusses the benefits of ‘fast-track’ methods or enhanced recovery after surgery. These methods are a set of protocols designed to standardize the way patients are taken care of after surgery, with the aim to improve recovery, patient outcomes, and reduce costs. The methods involve steps taken before, during, and after surgery, and can help to decrease the time a patient stays in the hospital, as well as lessen the chances of complications and pain after surgery. However, these methods require good organization and teamwork from all healthcare professionals involved. The paper also mentions that while these methods have shown benefits in various types of surgery, more evidence is needed to prove their benefits specifically after laparoscopic colonic surgery, which is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat colon diseases.

FAQs

  1. What are ‘fast-track’ methods or enhanced recovery after surgery?
  2. How do ‘fast-track’ methods or enhanced recovery protocols improve patient outcomes and reduce costs?
  3. What is the current state of evidence supporting the benefits of ‘fast-track’ methods after laparoscopic colonic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor may tell a patient undergoing a laparoscopic colectomy that following a fast-track recovery protocol can help improve their outcome and speed up their recovery. This may include measures such as early mobilization, optimized pain management, and early feeding. By following these protocols, patients may experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster return to normal activities. It is important to discuss with your healthcare team about the best ways to implement a fast-track recovery plan for your specific case.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for laparoscopic colectomy include those with conditions such as colorectal cancer, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and benign polyps that cannot be removed through other means. Laparoscopic colectomy is often recommended for patients who are otherwise healthy and able to tolerate the procedure, as it is less invasive than traditional open surgery and can lead to quicker recovery times and less post-operative pain. Additionally, patients who are at a higher risk for complications from traditional open surgery, such as older adults or those with multiple comorbidities, may also be good candidates for laparoscopic colectomy.

Timeline

Before laparoscopic colectomy, a patient will typically undergo various pre-operative tests and consultations with their surgical team. They may be placed on a special diet or given medications to prepare for surgery. On the day of surgery, the patient will be admitted to the hospital and undergo the laparoscopic colectomy procedure, which involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using a camera and specialized instruments to remove part of the colon. After surgery, the patient will be monitored in the recovery room before being transferred to a hospital room.

With ‘fast-track’ methods or enhanced recovery after surgery, the patient may experience a more standardized approach to post-operative care. This may include early mobilization, oral intake of fluids and food soon after surgery, and the use of multimodal pain management techniques to reduce the need for opioid medications. The goal is to help the patient recover quicker, experience less pain, and have a shorter hospital stay. By following these protocols, patients may be able to return to normal activities sooner and have a better overall outcome.

Overall, a patient undergoing laparoscopic colectomy may benefit from ‘fast-track’ methods or enhanced recovery after surgery by experiencing a more streamlined and efficient recovery process. While more research is needed to specifically evaluate the benefits of these methods in the context of laparoscopic colonic surgery, they have shown promising results in other types of surgical procedures.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with laparoscopic colectomy?
  2. What is the recovery time expected after a laparoscopic colectomy?
  3. How experienced are you in performing laparoscopic colectomies?
  4. Will I need any special preparation before the surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  6. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to follow a specific diet or lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  9. What are the chances of needing a colostomy bag after the surgery?
  10. What follow-up care will be necessary after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Garmpis N, Dimitroulis D, Garmpi A, Diamantis E, Spartalis E, Schizas D, Angelou A, Margonis GA, Farmaki P, Antoniou EA, Mantas D, Markatos K, Kontzoglou K, Damaskos C. Journal: In Vivo. 2019 May-Jun;33(3):669-674. doi: 10.21873/invivo.11525. PMID: 31028183