Objective To discuss the feasibility and clinical outcomes of fast-track (FT) surgery for elderly patients (≥70 years) with colorectal carcinoma. Methods Between November 2007 and January 2009, 103 elderly patients were analyzed prospectively, who were divided into FT group and traditional group randomly. All 103 patients had completed the entire study. Postoperative complications and early rehabilitations were studied and compared. In addition, completion of FT courses was recorded. Results ① In early rehabilitation, the time of first ambulation was (1.96±0.89) d and (2.92±1.43) d, oral intaking was (2.41±0.92) d and (3.62±1.40) d, and first flatus was (3.88±1.05) d and (4.52±1.29) d in the FT group and the traditional group, respectively. The early rehabilitation indexes in the FT group were significantly earlier than those in the traditional group (Plt;0.05). ② Postoperative hospital stay was (9.27±1.87) d and (12.75±7.05) d in the FT group and the traditional group, respectively, in the FT group which was shorter than that in the traditional group (Plt;0.05). ③ The mortality rate and readmission rate was 0 on 2 weeks after operation in two groups. ④ The total morbidity rate was 11.76% (6/51) in the FT group, in the traditional group was 28.85% (15/52), there was significant difference between two groups (Plt;0.05), while there was no significant difference in general complications and surgical complications between two groups (Pgt;0.05).Conclusions FT surgery for elderly patients with colorectal carcinoma is feasible and could enhance recovery, cut down morbidity rate and shorten postoperative hospital stay. If the FT courses are more completed, the clinical outcomes could be better.
