Objective To investigate the clinical application of fast track surgery in patients undergoing elective colorectal carcinoma surgery. Methods Seventy patients with colorectal carcinoma requiring colorectal resection were randomized into two groups: fast-track group (35 cases) and conventional care group (35 cases). Results Sixty-two patients finished the study, 32 cases in fast-track group and 30 cases in conventional care group. The median and average time to the first passage of flatus (2±1 vs. 4±2, P<0.01), the first passage of stool (3.8±1.6 vs. 6.4±2.5, P=0.0007), resumption of normal diet [(4±2) vs. (8.2±2.2), P<0.01] and the length of postoperative stay (6±1 days vs. 11.7±3.8 days, P<0.01) were much shorter in the fast-track group than in the conventional care group. The preoperative incidence of thirst (2/32 vs. 23/30, P<0.01), hunger (5/32 vs. 20/30, P<0.01) and postoperative infectious complications (2/32 vs. 8/30, P=0.04) were much lower in the fast-track group than in the conventional care group. Conclusion Fast track surgery in patients undergoing elective colorectal resection was safe and effective.