A comparison in five European Centres of case mix, clinical management and outcomes following either conventional or fast-track perioperative care in colorectal surgery

Background & aims: This study reviewed the case mix, clinical management, and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing colorectal resection in five European centres performing different forms of conventional or 'fast-track' perioperative care. Methods: The perioperative care programme and surgical practice in each centre was defined. Patient data were collected by case-note review on an internet-based audit system. Case mix was determined using ASA classification and the P-POSSUM scoring system. Results: A total of 451 consecutive patients from units practicing either conventional (Sweden, n = 109; UK, n = 87; Netherlands, n = 76, Norway, n = 61) or fast-track surgery (Denmark, n = 118), were studied between 1998 and 2001. Elements of perioperative practice varied widely both between units practicing 'traditional' care and the reference 'fast-track' unit (Denmark). Based on the P-POSSUM scores, the case mix was similar between centres. There were no differences in morbidity or 30-day mortality between the different centres. The median length of stay was 2 days in Denmark and 7-9 days in the other centres (P < 0.05). The readmission rate was 22% in Denmark and 2-16% in the other centres (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with traditional care, fast-track perioperative care results in a reduced length of hospital stay but may be associated with a higher readmission rate. Morbidity and mortality appears to be similar with either approach. Prospective evaluation of the potential benefits of the fast-track approach in different European centres is merited. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.