Application of enhanced recovery after surgery in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for elderly patients

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Methods The data of seventy-seven elderly patients who received laparoscopic right hemicolectomy from December 2014 to December 2016 in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were collected and analyzed, among whom 39 patients received perioperative treatment according to ERAS guideline (ERAS group), and 38 patients received traditional perioperative treatment (control group). Results Flatus time, first ambulation time, defecation time and length of hospital stay in ERAS group were significantly shorter than control group (t=5.848, 10.758, 13.859, 5.803, all P<0.01). Compared with those in the control group, patients in ERAS group had a higher level of serum albumin after surgery, but a lower rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting (12.8% vs 57.9%, χ2=17.174, P<0.01). Moreover, patients in ERAS group reported a higher rate of inpatient satisfaction (χ2=6.829, P=0.033). Conclusion ERAS is safe and effective in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, which can improve postoperative recovery and inpatient satisfaction. Key words: Colectomy; Laparoscopy; Aged; Enhanced recovery after surgery