The Feasibility of Fast Track Protocol for Elderely Patients With Colorectal Cancer

Fast track protocol is widely used in major colorectal surgery. It decreases operative stress, shortens hospital stay and reduces complications rate. However feasibility and safety of this approach is still controversial in patients older than 70 years. The AIM of the study was to estimate the safety and effectiveness of fast track protocol in elderly patients with colorectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Prospective randomized study included 138 elective colorectal resectionfor cancer during period from 1.01.10 till 1.06.15. The main criteria for the patients selection were age over 70 years and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. 82 of these patients received perioperative treatment according to fast track protocol, other 56 had conventional perioperative care. Patients underwent following procedures: right hemicolectomy (n=7), left hemicolectomy (n=12), transverse colectomy (n=1), sigmoidectomy (n=23), abdomeno-perineal excision (n=19) and low anterior resection of rectum (n=76). Following data were analized: duration of operation, intraoperative blood loss, time offirst flatus and defecation, complications rates. RESULTS. Mean age was 77,4 ± 8 years. There were no differences in gender, co morbidities, body mass index, types of operations between groups. Duration of operations didn't differ significantly between 2 groups. Intraoperative blood loss was higher in conventional group. The time of first flatus and defecation were better in FT-group. There was no mortality in FT-group vs 1,8 %o mortality in conventional group. Complications rate was lower in FT-group: wound infections 3,6% vs 9 %, anastomotic leakage 4,8 %o vs 9 %o, ileus 1,2 vs 5,4 %o, peritonitis 2,4 %o vs 3,6%o, bowel obstruction caused by the adhesions 6 % vs 5,3 %. Reoperation rate was similar 4,8 % vs 3,6 %. CONCLUSION. Fast track protocol in major elective colorectal surgery can be safely applied in elderly patients. The application of fast track protocol in elderly patients improves the restoration of bowel function and reduces the risk of postoperative complication.