Keele Research Repository

Background Fast track surgery is well established in major centres undertaking bariatric surgery Methods All patients who underwent bariatric surgery in a high volume centre were included. Patient outcomes in terms of complication rates, length of stay, one day discharge rate and 30 day readmission rate were analysed. Results 1009 patients (105 gastric band removal, 756 gastric bypass, 104 sleeve gastrectomy and 44 revision surgery) were included in the study. Demographics include: Age 46(20–77), M:F = 190–819; BMI – 44.3 (20.6–62); Wt. – 120.3 Kg (57.4–190.7). Median length of stay was 1.7 (1–23) with 79% 1 day discharge. 19 patients had complications (1.8%) with no mortality. Logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of co-morbidities (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.26–2.94; p=0.002) and history of previous abdominal surgery (OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.27–3.89; p = 0.005) increases risk of delayed discharge. The 30 day readmission rate was significantly higher in patients who had concomitant surgery in addition to primary bariatric surgery (Chi squared test p=0.032) and patients who failed the fast track protocol (p-0.000; chi squared = 13.2) Conclusions Increased understanding of factors which can be optimised may result in even better outcomes in fast track bariatric surgery.