Fast Track Gynaecologic Surgery in the Overweight and Obese Patient

Introduction: To review the outcomes of overweight and obese patients undergoing laparotomy and managed with a Fast Track Surgical (FTS) protocol. Methods: Between January 2008 and May 2010 patients having a laparotomy and managed on a FTS protocol were identified. They were compared to patients with a normal body mass index (BMI). Data was collected in a real time fashion and analysis undertaken in a retrospective fashion. Results: 194 patients were identified, 94 (48.4%) classified as normal BMI, 51 (26.3%) as overweight and 49 (25.3%) as obese. A vertical midline incision was performed in 170 (88%) patients. When comparing the group of overweight/obese patients (n = 100) to those with a normal BMI (n = 94) there was no significant difference in the number of benign or malignant pathologies, FIGO stage, age, insurance status, complexity of surgery, operation duration, blood loss, haemoglobin change, or need for transfusion. The proportion of patients successfully fast tracked and able to tolerate early oral feeding was similar. Patients classified as overweight or obese were significantly more likely to have a poorer performance status, have un¬dergone vertical midline incision and to have had COX II inhibitors withheld. The median length of stay (LOS) was 3 days for the patients with a normal BMI and also 3 days for those overweight or obese. Conclusions: Overweight and obese patients undergoing a fast track surgical protocol after laparotomy for gynaecological surgery have similar out comes when compared to patients of normal body mass index.