[Fast track rehabilitation in colonic surgery]

Abstract

In France, the total hospital stay after colorectal resection by laparoscopy or laparotomy varies between 10 and 20 days. For several years, the concept of fast track rehabilitation in colonic surgery has been developed. In addition to a specific surgical and anaesthetic management, this concept relies on postoperative measures, particularly an early food intake and ambulation, which allow a spectacular reduction of the hospital stay to only 2 days. Two remarks temper initial optimism: all patients do not wish a short hospital stay and the wards do not always have the available resources necessary to set up this concept.