Clinical study on fast track surgery in the rib internal fixation of multiple rib fractures

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the application of fast track surgery (FTS) in the rib internal fixation of multiple rib fractures. Methods Forty-eight chest trauma with multiple rib fractures patients from March 2008 to March 2010 were divided into FTS group and traditional care group randomly. Meanwhile two groups accepted FTS and conventional management of perioperative period respectively. The degree and duration of the chest pain, early exercise tolerance, intravenous infusion time, the length of postoperative hospital stay,chest scar and postoperative complications were observed and compared between the two groups. Results The duration of chest pain was significantly shorter in FTS group than in the traditional care group([ 112. 46 ±23. 24 ] mins vs [ 180. 23 ± 51.56 ] mins, t = 4. 23 ,P ＜ 0. 05); the early exercise tolerance was longer([ 68. 35 ±9. 30 ] mins vs [ 33.48± 5. 18 ] mins,t = 2. 87, P ＜ 0. 05) ;the intravenous infusion time was shorter ([ 10. 83 ±1.87 ] d vs [ 13. 30 ± 2. 12 ] d, t = 2. 38, P ＜ 0. 05); the length of postoperative hospital stay was shorter([ 12. 35 ± 2.03 ] d vs [ 16. 48 ± 3. 18 ] d, t = 3.04, P ＜ 0. 05); the less postoperative complications(8.3% vs 37. 5 %, x2 = 5. 005,P ＜ 0. 05); chest pain was relieved([ 3.43 ± 0. 45 ] cm vs. [ 6. 62 ± 0. 62 ] cm, P ＜ 0. 05);the scar healed well. All patients were successfully discharged. Conclusion The perioperative idea of fast track surgery was feasible and effective in the chest trauma with multiple rib fractures patients. FTS can improve the patients long term living quality. Key words: Fast track surgery; Chest trauma; Multiple rib fractures