Role of epidural anesthesia in a fast track liver resection protocol for cirrhotic patients - results after three years of practice

Table 1 Fast track protocol for cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resection

Fast track protocol for cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resection
Preoperative counseling
Regular diet on the day before surgery
No bowel preparation
Intraoperative CVP target < 6 mmHg, restricted fluids administration
ICU admission for at least the first post-operative night (or on POD 0)
Maintenance fluids discontinued on POD 3
Nasogastric probe removal on POD 1
Liquid diet on POD 1
Regular diet on POD 3
Urinary catheter discontinued on POD 3
Drains removal on POD 3
Ambulation on POD 3
Discharge criteria: Liver and kidney function tests compatible with preoperative data or decreasing, able to tolerate food intake, able to ambulate, good pain control (NRS < 3)

ICU: Intensive care unit; CVP: Central venous pressure; POD: Postoperative days; NRS: Numerical rating scale.