Table 1.

Fast-Track Care Perioperative Plan

Day	Protocol
Preoperative	Detailed discussion of nature of surgery and rehabilitation plan with both the patient and staff
	No bowel preparation
Intraoperative	Prophylactic antibiotics
	Induction of anesthesia (no epidural catheter)
	Insertion of:
	Urinary catheter
	Nasogastric tube (removed intra-operatively at extubation)
	Fluid maintenance; 1 L crystalloids
Surgery	Pain control by oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or oral hydrocodone
	Ambulation enforced for stable candidates
POD 1	Patient reassessed and care plan discussed again
	Oral fluid intake
	Fluid maintenance discontinued
POD 2	Regular diet
	Removal of urinary catheter
POD 3	Evaluation of patient status
	Discharge for stable candidates

Abbreviation: POD, postoperative day.