Management of Patients with Colorectal Cancer through Fast-Track Surgery

Arianna Scala (), Antonio D’Amore, Maria Pia Mannelli, Mario Mensorio and Giovanni Improta
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Arianna Scala: Department of Public Health, University Hospital of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Antonio D’Amore: AORN “Antonio Cardarelli” Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
Maria Pia Mannelli: AORN “Antonio Cardarelli” Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
Mario Mensorio: AORN “Antonio Cardarelli” Hospital, 80131 Naples, Italy
Giovanni Improta: Department of Public Health, University Hospital of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 9, 1-16

Abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common in women globally. CRC is considered a priority public health issue due to its incidence and the high associated costs. Surgery is the predominant therapeutic approach for CRC. Given the involvement of the intestinal tract in the surgical process, there is a significant increase in postoperative morbidity rates, and the average length of hospital stay (LOS) tends to lengthen. In this research, we employed the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology, specifically utilizing the DMAIC cycle, to identify and subsequently examine the effects of fast-track surgery on hospitalization times for interventions related to CRC at the AORN “Antonio Cardarelli” Hospital in Naples (Italy). The process analysis, guided by the DMAIC cycle, facilitated a reduction in the median LOS from 14 days to 12 days. The most notable improvement was observed in the 66–75 age group without comorbidities. The LSS approach provides methodological rigor, as previously recognized, enabling substantial enhancements to the process. This involves standardizing outcomes, minimizing variability, and achieving an overall reduction in the LOS from 14 to 12 days.

Keywords: colorectal cancer; lean six sigma; lean thinking; value stream map; length of stay; health management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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