Application of fast track surgery in the perioperative period of laparoscopic repair of esophageal hiatal hernia

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of fast track surgery (FTS) in the perioperative period of laparoscopic repair of esophageal hiatal hernia. MethodsA total of 76 patients undergoing laparoscopic repair of esophageal hiatal hernia were randomized into a fast track surgery group and a conventional treatment group (n=38). The two groups were compared for postoperative pain, the time of first diet taking, postoperative flatus time, postoperative hospitalization stay, complications, and the levels of C-reactive protein and white cell counts. ResultsAll patients successfully underwent surgery and discharged. The FTS group showed remarkable decreases in the scores of postoperative pain, the time of first diet taking, postoperative flatus time and postoperative hospitalization stay compared with the conventional group (P<0.01). The levels of C-reactive protein and white cell counts were also lower in the FTS group than those in the conventional group (P<0.05). No statistical difference was found in complications between the two groups. ConclusionsFTS is safe and effective in the perioperative period of laparoscopic repair of esophageal hiatal hernia, which can accelerate postoperative rehabilitation, shorten postoperative hospitalization stay.