Open AccessThe development of fast‐track principles in gynecological surgery
Author(s) -
WODLIN NINNIE BORENDAL,
NILSSON LENA
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0412.2012.01525.x
Subject(s) - medicine , track (disk drive) , fast track , gynecologic surgical procedures , general surgery , gynecology , surgery , medical physics , laparoscopy , mechanical engineering , engineering
Fast‐track is a multimodal strategy aimed at reducing the physiological burden of surgery to achieve an enhanced postoperative recovery. The strategy combines unimodal evidence‐based interventions in the areas of preoperative preparation, anesthesia, surgical factors and postoperative care. The advantages of fast‐track most likely extend to gynecology, although so far have scarcely been reported. This review summarizes current evidence concerning use of fast‐track in general and in gynecological surgery. The main findings of this review are that there are benefits within elective gynecological surgery, but studies of quality of life, patient satisfaction and health economics in elective surgery are needed. Studies of fast‐track within the field of non‐elective gynecological surgery are lacking. Widespread education is needed to improve the rate of implementation of fast‐track. Close involvement of the entire surgical team is imperative to ensure a structured perioperative care aiming for enhanced postoperative recovery.