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

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.