Perioperative nutrition as an important aspect implementing Fast Track surgery principles

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Relevance. Fast Track surgery concept provides for a significant reduction of patient’s stress response to surgical intervention. The main task is a quick rehabilitation, quick return to a normal quality of life and significant reduction for an in-patient stay, thereby reducing medical costs. Objective: To assess the efficacy of the lack of pre- and postoperative fasting in accelerating postoperative recovery of patients and the reduction of patient’s stress response to operative injury. Materials and methods. We performed 564 surgical interventions under Fast Track approach. In particular, we used adapted, high-caloric sipping (drinking as small sips through a straw) feed manufactured at a medical enterprise and does not include dietary fibre — Nutricomp Drink Plus (BBraun). Results. Early oral feeding within the first hours after surgery accelerates recovery of productive intestinal motility. In 73.5 % of patients, the passage of flatus (spontaneous) is reported to the end of the first postoperative day that is about 8-fold higher than in patients who were not on such diet. General weakness, hunger and thirst reduced 2.5, 3 and 2.5-fold, respectively, in patients on Fast Track approach compared with the conventional perioperative management. Conclusion. The lack of pre- and postoperative fasting is one of the cornerstones of this program that proved the efficacy in terms of reduced stress response to surgical injury. Key Words: Fast Track approach, surgical intervention, pre- and postoperative nutrition.