Laparoscopic rectal resections and fast-track surgery: what can be expected?

Background: We present the results of combining protocols of standardized laparoscopic rectal resection (LRR) and perioperative fast track care.

Methods: Patients undergoing LRRs were identified from a prospectively maintained, institutional review board-approved database. Perioperative fast track care and laparoscopic operations were performed according to a standardized system.

Results: Thirty-seven patients were included. Conversion was performed in 2 males (5%). The mean operative time was 184 minutes (range 109 to 410 minutes). The mean hospital stay was 3.0 days (range 1 to 8 days) with 90% of patients discharged less than 5 days after surgery. No anastomotic leaks or mortality occurred and the in-hospital complications rate was 8%. Readmission occurred in 3 patients (8%). No specimen had involved distal or circumferential resection margins.

Conclusions: LRRs can be performed safely and effectively for rectal pathologies. Laparoscopy in conjunction with modern perioperative care provides rapid recovery with efficient use of hospital resources.