"Fast track surgery could be considered quality of care. In our hospital, fast track surgery is a kind of combined medical model."

Dr. Li and Dr. Wang are applying Fast Track in the West China Hospital. We are pleased to welcome them to the ftsurgery.com community and know more about their work in this interview to Dr. Wang.

I’m an attending in colorectal surgery of West China Hospital, in which I had my resident training. I have a 5 years experience in colorectal surgery. Recently, I focused on the working strategies of multi-disciplinary team and fast-track program in this field beside operations. And now, I’m the main assistant to our team director, my boss Dr. Li, who is one excellent surgeon and an academic leader of colorectal surgery in our hospital.  He planned and managed the first FT program in our hospital, so please let me introduce him here and this exciting interview will show more about both of us.

2. Is colorectal surgery a surgical specialty in China?

Yes, but not in the whole country. In most of large cities, as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chengdu, there are approximately half of hospitals with specialized colorectal surgery. Our hospital, placed on Chengdu, was established on colorectal surgery more than 20 years ago.

3. As a mean, how many colorectal cancers do you treat per month?

In average, our clinical team treats between 40 and 60 patients with colorectal cancer monthly.  In our department, the average is between 120 and 150 per month.

4. When was your first contact with Fast Track surgery?

In 2005, we started composing and preparing in the FT program.  Practices with FT to colorectal surgery were hold in late 2006. My first contact with FT was in October 2006 due to a patient with rectal cancer.

5. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery or fast track?

From fast track in the way by program.

6. Among the different steps of any fast track program. Which ones do you think are mandatory?

We consider that the steps about early activities, oral feeding and fluid restriction are mandatory.  The treatment to accelerate intestinal motility by drugs is also included.

7. What do you think are the main advantages of fast track surgery?

It could reduce the reaction of inflammation and bring on less trauma reaction.

8. In your Hospital, how many people are dedicated to fast track surgery?

Our clinical team by Dr. Li and I mainly dedicated to FT in colorectal surgery in our hospital, and the total number is less than five. Under this conditions, we provide about 1/5 and 1/4 of patients in our department joined into FT (including all types of colorectal disease).

9. It was easy for you to establish a program on fast track surgery?

No, it was very difficult. Establishing a program on fast track surgery in China represents a long time work based on culture, economic statues/insurance feature and community services. It’s not only a problem in our hospital.

10. Do you think fast track surgery is quality of care?

It could be considered quality of care. In our hospital, fast track surgery is a kind of combined medical model.

11. According to your experience, do you believe that patients are happy with your enhanced recovery after surgery program?

Major part of the patients can accept enhanced recovery after surgery program just for hopeful results in their words. However, the patients planned in FT will not be in discharge on time, although they can be backing home safely. Sometimes they and their relatives reject the arrangement of discharge.

12. Are your administrators?

They expressed their appreciation, but currently they are not supporting the FT program completely.

13. In the future, do you see colorectal surgery as “Ambulatory Surgery”?