OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of the fast track programs (FT) on the postoperative recovery of patients with rectum carcinoma after rectal cancer resection.

METHODSEighty-three patients, undergone elective rectal carcinoma resection in our hospital, were randomly divided into two groups. FT group (44 cases) received the perioperative FT programs care, including bowel preparation reduction, preoperative normal intake, early removal of the nasogastric tube and bladder catheter, early postoperative feeding, early mobilization, and no routine drainage. Control group (39 cases) received the conventional program care. The postoperative hospital stay, surgical complications and readmission rate within 30 days postoperatively were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe data of two groups such as gender, surgical procedures, complications, TNM stage of tumor, age, operation time and intra-operative blood loss were similar. The mean postoperative hospital stay in FT group was significantly shorter than that in control group [(4.7+/-2.6) d vs (8.9+/-2.8) d] (P<0.001). The surgical complications within 30 days postoperatively in FT group were significantly less than those in control group (P<0.05). The difference of readmission rate was not significant between the two groups (P=0.326).

CONCLUSIONThe colorectal surgical fast track programs applied to the perioperative period care of rectal carcinoma resection can decrease the hospital stay and surgical complications with no obvious change in readmission rate, so the postoperative recovery of patients with rectal carcinoma resection can be improved.