Impact of Fast-Track Postoperative Care on Intestinal Function, Pain, and Length of Hospital Stay After Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Background and Purpose: Postoperative recovery of intestinal function, ability to ambulate, and effective pain management are main features to establish an effective fast-track surgery model. We investigated pain scores, ambulation rate, and recovery of intestinal function in a cohort of patients who were undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Patients and Methods: Fifty patients who underwent LRP in our institution were randomized to receive either conventional or fast-track postoperative care. Postoperative intestinal function was quantified by clinical signs of intestinal motility. Ambulation data were collected by means of step-count devices. Pain scores were measured by a visual analog scale. Overall satisfaction and additional measures to describe patient satisfaction with the clinical course were used as quality-of-life variables. Results: Fast-track patients had significantly earlier propulsive intestinal motility without increased intestinal complications. Enforced mobilization led to a significantly shorter period to first deflation/defecation. Despite significantly increased ambulation rates in the fast-track group, these patients reported significantly less pain sentience during a significantly shorter hospital stay. Overall satisfaction was significantly higher in the fast-track cohort during the hospital stay. Conclusion: With the implementation of fast-track concepts for LRP, patients can be discharged to home earlier with fewer complications, lower pain scores, and an overall higher satisfaction with life.