Elective colon resection in Germany - A survey of the perioperative anaesthesiological management

Background. Fast-track rehabilitation after elective colon resection is an interdisciplinary multimodal procedure, which combines surgical and anesthesiological aspects. This leads to an improved and accelerated recovery and avoids perioperative complications. This survey focuses on the extent and use of such concepts in Germany. Methods. In January 2006, a questionnaire was sent to 1270 anesthesiology departments in Germany in which they were asked to describe the standard anesthesia procedures based on a conventional sigmoid resection. Results. The response rate was 385 out of 1270 (30.3%). Preoperative fasting of solid food 12 h before the operation was practiced in 52% and for 6 h in 44% of the clinics. For fluid intake the fasting time was 6 h in 47% and 2 h in 41%. Prophylactic measures for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were administered in 33% of clinics. Propofol (68%) was the leading narcotic, fentanyl (56%) and sufentanil (48%) were the most commonly used intraoperative analgesics and 75% of clinics used epidural analgesia. Conclusion. In Germany the anesthesiological treatment after elective colon surgery adheres broadly to the evidence-based recommendations for fast-track concepts.