Fast-track surgery for gastroenteric neoplasms: a meta-analysis.

Aims And Background: Fast-track surgery has been shown to enhance postoperative recovery. The objective of the study was to determine the differences of fast-track surgery and conventional care for patients with gastroenteric neoplasms.

Methods And Study Design: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for related trials to compare hospital stay and rates of complications and readmission.

Results: Thirteen randomized controlled trials, with 1,962 patients, were included. Results showed the length of hospital stay was significantly reduced in the fast-track group. The complications rate was lowered in colorectal surgery. There were no significant differences in rate of readmissions.

Conclusions: Current trials show that fast-track surgery may reduce the length of hospital stay and lower the rate of complications of gastroenteric surgery.