Multimodal approach to postoperative recovery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide updated information on recent developments within individual components of multimodal interventions to improve postoperative outcome (fast-track methodology).

RECENT FINDINGS: The value of the fast-track methodology to improve recovery and decrease hospital stay and morbidity has been firmly consolidated, especially in colorectal procedures. An increasing amount of data from other procedures supports the value of the fast-track concept across procedures. Fast-track programs should be based on the analysis of procedure-specific factors that may influence outcome and implemented through a multidisciplinary collaboration. However, compared with the amount of available evidence of the fast-track methodology, the implementation continues to be slow.

SUMMARY: Procedure-specific standardization of perioperative care programs (the fast-track methodology) should be adopted more widely and adjusted to current scientific evidence.