The Influence of Preoperative Risk Stratification on Fast-Tracking Patients After Pulmonary Resection

Fast-tracking protocols or postoperative care computerized algorithms have been shown to reduce hospital length of stay and reduce costs. Although fast-tracking protocols cannot be applied to all, the vast majority of patients who undergo elective pulmonary resection, even those at high risk, can undergo safe, efficient, and cost-saving care via preset postoperative algorithms. When the typical daily events are convened each morning and the planned date of discharge is frequently communicated with the patient and family before surgery and each day in the hospital, most patients can be safely fast-tracked with high satisfaction and outstanding results.