Abstract:Objective: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of using fast track surgery in elderly patients′ colorectal surgery. Methods:The clinical data of 72 patients older than 65 years with colorectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated by “fast-track” rehabilitation program perioperatively that included short fasting time,avoidance of mechanical bowel preparation and without nasogastric tubes, making preoperative carbohydrate loading,use of epidural analgesia combined with general anaesthesia,minimized use of abdominal drains,and early oral feeding and ambulation. Results:Of the patients treated with the concept of “fast-track” rehabilitation, 76.4% were able to have liquids orally on the first day after surgery, 88.9% able to have liquids orally on the 2nd day after surgery, and 73.6% had semi-liquid orally on the 3rd postoperative day. The mean time of the first bowel movement was 2.4 days. Only 9 patients (12.5%) had general complications, and 10 patients (13.9%) had local complications, including 1 patient (1.4%) with anastomotic leakage. Average postoperative hospital stay was 5.6 days (range 1-46 d), but 5 patients (6.9%) were readmitted within 30 days. Conclusions:Using the “fast-track” rehabilitation program on elderly patient is not only feasible but also can accelerate postoperative recovery and reduce the duration of hospital stay.