Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of fast track surgery (FTS) combined with laparoscopy in the treatment of infant Hirschsprung disease.
Methods: Clinical data of 72 infants with Hirschsprung disease undergoing elective pull-through surgery from June 2010 to June 2013 were retrospectively summarized. The patients were divided into two groups: fast track surgery combined with laparoscopy group (FTS group, n=33) and laparoscopic surgery with traditional management perioperatively (control group, n=39). Postoperative intestinal function recovery, hospital stay, cost of hospitalization, complications were compared and postoperative recovery was followed-up for four weeks.
Results: There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss and operative time between FTS and control group (both P>0.05). The recovery of bowel movement was earlier in the FTS group but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.078). The hospital stay was shorter [(10 ± 2) d vs. (14 ± 4) d] and cost of hospitalization was lower [(15 316 ± 2273) Yuan vs. (18 641 ± 3082) Yuan] in FTS group than those in control group(P<0.01). Postoperative complications and recovery conditions during 4 weeks follow-up were similar between the two groups.
Conclusion: Fast track surgery combined with laparoscopy in the treatment of infant Hirschsprung disease is safe and effective.