Barriers and enablers of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols from nurses' perspectives: A mixed-method study

Enhanced recovery: joining the dots

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols are multimodal perioperative care pathways shown to improve postoperative complications and decrease the length of stay after surgery. A critical component of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol is the use of multimodal nonopiate analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. To compare the incidence of postoperative GI bleeding between patients treated with and without an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol. Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained colorectal registry. Large colorectal referral center. Preoperative elective colorectal surgery requiring an anastomosis. Standardized enhanced recovery after surgery protocol included celecoxib and ketorolac. Postoperative outcomes included bleeding (±sequelae), reduction in hematocrit after the operation, intervention for bleeding (transfusion, endoscopy, or surgery), length of stay, and hospital readmission. The enhanced recovery after surgery group (n = 630) and nonenhanced recovery after surgery group (n = 739) were comparable in baseline clinical features except for surgical indication, with more IBD and less malignant disease in the enhanced recovery after surgery group. Minimally invasive surgery was more commonly performed in the enhanced recovery after surgery group. Both bleeding with sequelae ( p < 0.0001) and bleeding without sequelae ( p = 0.0004) were significantly more common in the enhanced recovery after surgery group compared to the nonenhanced recovery after surgery group. In addition, a significantly larger hematocrit decline after the operation was noted in the enhanced recovery after surgery group ( p < 0.0001). However, both the need for transfusion and intervention for bleeding did not significantly differ between patient groups. Factors associated with bleeding were the use of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol (OR 2.96; 95% CI, 1.57-5.58; p < 0.001) and performing a small to large bowel anastomosis (OR 2.68; 95% CI, 1.49-4.81; p < 0.001). Retrospective observational design and inability to determine which component of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol increased the risk of bleeding. Use of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in patients undergoing colorectal surgery with an anastomosis is associated with an increased incidence of bleeding without significant difference in the need for transfusion or intervention. See Video Abstract . ANTECEDENTES:Los protocolos de recuperación mejorada después de la cirugía (ERAS) son vías de atención perioperatoria multimodal que han demostrado mejorar las complicaciones posoperatorias y disminuir la duración de la estancia después de la cirugía. Un componente crítico de un protocolo ERAS es el uso de analgesia multimodal no opiácea mediante fármacos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos e inhibidores de la COX-2.OBJETIVO:Comparar la incidencia de sangrado gastrointestinal posoperatorio entre pacientes tratados con y sin un protocolo ERAS.DISEÑO:Revisión retrospectiva de un registro colorrectal prospectivo mantenido.ESCENARIO:Centro de referencia colorrectal grande.PACIENTES:Cirugía colorrectal electiva preoperatoria que requiere una anastomosis.INTERVENCIÓN:El protocolo ERAS estandarizado incluyó celecoxib y ketorolaco.RESULTADO PRINCIPAL:Los resultados posoperatorios incluyeron sangrado (+/- secuelas), reducción del hematocrito después de la operación, intervención para el sangrado (transfusión, endoscopia o cirugía), duración de la estancia hospitalaria y reingreso hospitalario.RESULTADOS:El grupo ERAS (n = 630) y los grupos no ERAS (n = 739) fueron comparables en las características clínicas iniciales excepto por la indicación quirúrgica, con más enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y menos enfermedad maligna en el grupo ERAS (Tabla 1). La cirugía mínimamente invasiva se realizó con mayor frecuencia en el grupo ERAS. Tanto el sangrado con secuelas ( p < 0,0001) como el sangrado sin secuelas ( p = 0,0004) fueron significativamente más comunes en el grupo ERAS en comparación con el grupo no ERAS. Además, se observó una disminución significativamente mayor del hematocrito después de la operación en el grupo ERAS ( p < 0,0001). Sin embargo, tanto la necesidad de transfusión como la intervención por sangrado no difirieron significativamente entre los grupos de pacientes. Los factores asociados con el sangrado fueron el uso de un protocolo ERAS (OR=2,96; IC del 95% 1,57-5,58; p < 0,001) y la realización de una anastomosis de intestino delgado a grueso (OR= 2,68; IC del 95% 1,49-4,81; p < 0,001).LIMITACIÓN:Diseño observacional retrospectivo e imposibilidad de determinar qué componente del protocolo ERAS causó el sangrado.CONCLUSIÓN:El uso de un protocolo ERAS en pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal con anastomosis se asocia con una mayor incidencia de sangrado sin diferencia significativa en la necesidad de transfusión o intervención. (Traducción-Dr Yolanda Colorado ).

To study the effectiveness of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol versus traditional perioperative management in patients with hepatopancreatobiliary tumors undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy. The study included 111 patients who have undergone pancreatoduodenectomy between January 2014 and December 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups: perioperative ERAS protocol (85 patients) and traditional treatment (26 patients). Postoperative complications, length of hospital-stay and incidence of readmissions were analyzed. Mean length of hospital-stay for ERAS protocol was 13.4±7.6 days, conventional management - 16.5±7.5 days (p=0.004). Postoperative 30-day mortality was 8.24 and 7.7% in both groups, respectively (p=1.0). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the ERAS group (248.24±214.0 vs. 321.15±155.0 ml, p=0.004). Overall incidence of postoperative complications was 56.5% and 65.4%, respectively (p=0.420). However, incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications was significantly higher in case of traditional treatment (19.2 vs. 4.7%, p=0.015). Readmission rate within 30 days was slightly less in the ERAS group (6.4 vs. 20.8%, p=0.052). Enhanced recovery after surgery protocol is safe, reduces the number of postoperative complications, length of hospital-stay and rate of readmissions.

BackgroundDegenerative disorders of the lumbar spine decrease the mobility and quality of life of elderly patients. Lumbar fusion surgery is the primary method of treating degenerative lumbar spine disorders; however, the surgical stress response associated with major surgery has been linked to pathophysiological changes in the elderly, resulting in undesirable postoperative morbidity, complications, pain, fatigue, and extended convalescence. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether enhanced recovery after surgery significantly improved satisfaction and outcomes in elderly patients (> 65 years old) with short-level lumbar fusion.MethodsThe study enrolled lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spinal stenosis patients if they were over the age of 65 years old underwent lumbar fusion at one or two levels. Data including demographic, comorbidity, and surgical information were collected from electronic medical records. Enhanced recovery after surgery interventions was categorized as preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. We also evaluated primary outcome, surgical complication, length of stay, postoperative pain scores, and 30-day readmission rates.ResultsA total of 192 patients were included, 96 in the enhanced recovery after surgery group and 96 case-matched patients in the non- enhanced recovery after surgery group. There were no statistically significant intergroup differences in regards to demographics, comorbidities, American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade, or the number of fusion levels. There were also no differences between mean surgery time of intraoperative blood loss between the enhanced recovery after surgery and non- enhanced recovery after surgery groups. In addition, the mean preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, visual analog score for the back and legs, and Oswestry Disability Index score were not significantly different between the two groups. Overall, enhanced recovery after surgery pathway compliance was 92.1%. There were no significant differences in the number of complications or the mortality rates between the enhanced recovery after surgery and non-enhanced recovery after surgery groups. Furthermore, the mean postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, Visual analog score for the back and legs, Oswestry Disability Index score, and readmission rates score revealed no significant differences between the groups at 30-day follow-up point. However, we observed a statistically significant decrease in length of stay in the enhanced recovery after surgery group (12.30 ± 3.03 of enhanced recovery after surgery group versus 15.50 ± 1.88 in non- enhanced recovery after surgery group, p = 0). Multivariable linear regression showed that comorbidities (p = 0.023) and implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery program (p = 0.002) were correlated with prolonged length of stay. Multivariable logistic regression showed that no characteristics were associated with complications.ConclusionsThis report describes the first enhanced recovery after surgery protocol used in elderly patients after short-level lumbar fusion surgery. Our enhanced recovery after surgery program is safe and could help decrease length of stay in elderly patients with short-level lumbar fusion.

Background Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer worldwide, with an estimated 430 000 new cases in 2012. Bladder cancer has more than 130,000 deaths per year worldwide, with an estimated male: female ratio of 3.8:1.0. Aim of the Work to examine the current evidence for ERAS in preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative setting of care for RC patients, to propose ERAS evidence-based protocol for patients undergoing Radical Cystectomy in Egypt environment and to compare the effectiveness of ERAS versus standard care on perioperative outcomes after cystectomy including Length of Hospital Stay,bowel movement, Complications and Readmission Rate in 30Day. Patients and Methods This is a prospective randomized comparative study done at the urology departments of Ain Shams University and Nasser institute for research and treatment in 2018. Forty patients were included in this study who were indicated For Radical Cystectomy. They were recruited and randomized in two groups: Group A: where they followed enhanced recovery after Surgery protocols and Group B: where they followed the the classic pre-operative and post-operative protocols. Results We finished to that Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in radical cystectomy is safe and not associated with any increase in intraoperative and post-operative complications compared to standard protocol. It is associated with reductions in the length of hospital stay, time to return to full diet, time to flatulence, time for defecation and pain post-operative. There is no difference in 30 day readmission rate between ERAS and Standard Care. Our prospective randomized controlled trial covers most of the items recommended for ERAS excluding the use of a laparoscopic or robotic approach, Audit, and use of alvimopan, a peripherally acting μ-opioid antagonist, which is not available in Egypt. Our study reveals many issues that need to be considered when designing a larger more powered study. Conclusion Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in radical cystectomy is safe and not associated with any increase in intraoperative and post-operative complications compared to standard protocol. It is associated with reductions in the length of hospital stay, time to return to full diet, time to flatulence, time for defecation and pain post operative. There is no difference in 30 day readmission rate between ERAS and Standard Care.

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway was formulated with the aim to reduce surgical stress response, alleviate pain and guarantee the best-fit experience of patients' perioperative period. However, the application of ERAS in geriatric patients who underwent unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) was relatively lacking. We hypothesize that UKA patients can benefit from the ERAS protocol. A total of 238 patients were recruited in this retrospective study from August 2018 to December 2021, and Oxford phase III UKA was applied to all patients. ERAS pathway included nutrition support, anesthesia mode, interoperative temperature, and blood pressure control, application of tranexamic acid, early initiation of oral intake and mobilization, and pain management. Demographic data, operation-relative variables, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Forgotten Joint Scores, Oxford Knee Score, Lysholm score, numerical rating scale, and knee range of motion were introduced to estimate the activity function and pain of surgical knee, and these variables were compared between the 2 groups. There were 117 patients in the ERAS group and 121 patients in the traditional group, respectively. The ERAS group had a shorter length of surgical incision and less intraoperative blood loss. Postoperative hemoglobin and albumin of patients in the ERAS group were better than those in the traditional group (P < .05), after 17.0 ± 10.8 months follow-up, the numerical rating scale, Lysholm, Oxford Knee Score, Forgotten Joint Scores, and knee range of motion of patients in the ERAS group were significantly better than the traditional group. The length of hospital stay for patients who underwent ERAS was 11.7 ± 3.8 days and the postoperative complication rate was lower for the ERAS group patients (P = .000 and 0.031). ERAS can reduce the length of hospital stay, and patients can achieve excellent postoperative knee function. The formulation and implementation of the ERAS protocol require good collaboration across multiple disciplines, as well as a deep understanding of the existing clinical evidence and the concept of the ERAS program.

Enhanced Recovery After Lung Resection Surgery: Knowing What We Can Do… and Doing It

Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.ObjectivesTo assess the impact of Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols on peri-operative course in adult cervical deformity (ACD) corrective surgery.MethodsPatients ≥18 yrs with complete pre-(BL) and up to 2-year (2Y) radiographic and clinical outcome data were stratified by enrollment in an ERAS protocol that commenced in 2020. Differences in demographics, clinical outcomes, radiographic alignment targets, peri-operative factors and complication rates were assessed via means comparison analysis. Logistic regression analysed differences while controlling for baseline disability and deformity.ResultsWe included 220 patients (average age 58.1 ± 11.9 years, 48% female). 20% were treated using the ERAS protocol (ERAS+). Disability was similar between both groups at baseline. When controlling for baseline disability and myelopathy, ERAS- patients were more likely to utilize opioids than ERAS+ (OR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.45-2.50, P = .016). Peri-operatively, ERAS+ had significantly lower operative time (P < .021), lower EBL (583.48 vs 246.51, P < .001), and required significantly lower doses of propofol intra-operatively than ERAS- patients (P = .020). ERAS+ patients also reported lower mean LOS overall (4.33 vs 5.84, P = .393), and were more likely to be discharged directly to home (χ2(1) = 4.974, P = .028). ERAS+ patients were less likely to require steroids after surgery (P = .045), were less likely to develop neuromuscular complications overall (P = .025), and less likely experience venous complications or be diagnosed with venous disease post-operatively (P = .025).ConclusionsEnhanced recovery after surgery programs in ACD surgery demonstrate significant benefit in terms of peri-operative outcomes for patients.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is a perioperative management theory aimed at reducing the injury of surgical patients and accelerating postoperative recovery. It has been widely recognized and applied in elective surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of the ERAS protocol during the perioperative period of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of the ERAS protocol during the perioperative period of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis. We collected medical data from 126 elderly patients with acute cholecystitis from October 2018 to August 2021. Among the 126 patients, 70 were included in the ERAS group and 56 in the traditional group. We analyzed the clinical data and postoperative indicators of the 2 groups. No significant differences were observed regarding the general characteristics of the 2 groups (P > .05). The ERAS group had significantly earlier time to first flatus, time to first ambulation, and time to solid intake, compared with the traditional group (P < .001); additionally, the ERAS group had significantly shorter stay and gentler feeling of postoperative pain (P < .001). Furthermore, the ERAS group had significant incidences of lower postoperative lung (P = .029) and abdominal cavity infection (P = .025) compared to the traditional group. No significant difference was observed regarding the incidences of other postoperative complications between the 2 groups (P > .05). The ERAS protocol helps reduce elderly patients' stress reactions and accelerate postoperative recovery. Thus, it is effective and beneficial to implement the ERAS protocol during the perioperative period of elderly patients with acute cholecystitis.

Implementation of a urogynecology-specific enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway

124. Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in spine surgery: harnessing national data to identify optimal protocols

Prospective study of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in children undergoing reconstructive operations

396 Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to have positive effects on lengths of stay (LOHS) and resource utilisation without a rise in readmission and post-operative morbidity rates in colorectal, hepatic and oesophago-gastric surgery. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an ERAS protocol on postoperative morbidity and readmission rates following pancreatic surgery in a tertiary referral centre. Methods: The perioperative care of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery was guided by a locally developed ERAS protocol incorporating pre-operative counselling and carbohydrate loading. Intra-thecal opiate and Patient Controlled Analgesia devices were utilised for postoperative analgesia. Supplemental intravenous fluid prescription was protocolised. Oral intake was restarted from post-operative day (PoD) 1 and escalated on an on-demand basis. Patients were mobilised from PoD 1 and escalated daily. Drain removal and step down care decisions were guided by serum markers and clinical progress. Results: 212 consecutive patients from 2010 to 2014 were included (conventional, N = 108, ERAS protocol, N = 104). 134 (63.2%) patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, 41 (19.3%) patients underwent distal pancreatectomy, 11 (5.2%) patients underwent total pancreatectomy and the rest underwent palliative bypass or other procedures. There was a statistically significant reduction in the volume of supplemental intravenous fluids received with no significant renal impairment noted. Median LOHS was reduced to 10 days (Inter-quartile range [IQR] 7 – 19) from 16 days (IQR 12 – 26) (P &lt; 0.001). Median critical care stay was reduced from 7 days (IQR 5 – 10) to 6 (IQR 4 -7) (P = 0.020). There was a statistically significant reduction in clinically significant wound complications (P = 0.019). There were no statistically significant increases in readmission rates, pancreas-specific or other generic post-operative morbidity rates. Conclusions: ERAS protocols are a viable peri-operative management strategy after major pancreatic surgery, and data suggests that LOHS can be reduced without an associated increase in readmission or post-operative morbidity rates.

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after thoracoscopic lobectomy in high-risk patients due to insufficient intraoperative infusion. Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) is an individualized fluid infusion strategy; the fluid infusion strategy is adjusted according to the patient’s fluid response. GDFT during operation can reduce the incidence of AKI after major surgery. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol optimizes perioperative interventions to decrease the postoperative complications after surgery. In ERAS protocol of lobectomy, intraoperative restrictive fluid therapy is recommended. In this study, we will compare the effects of intraoperative GDFT with restrictive fluid therapy combined with an ERAS protocol on the incidence of AKI after thoracoscopic lobectomy in high-risk patients.Methods/designThis is a prospective single-center single-blind randomized controlled trial. Two hundred seventy-six patients scheduled for thoracoscopic lobectomy are randomly allocated to receive either GDFT or restrictive fluid therapy combined with an ERAS protocol at a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is the incidence of AKI after operation. The secondary outcomes include (1) the incidence of renal replacement therapy, (2) the length of intensive care unit stay after operation, (3) the length of hospital stay after operation, and (4) the incidence of other complications including infection, acute lung injury, pneumonia, arrhythmia, heart failure, myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery, and cardiac infarction.DiscussionThis is the first study to compare intraoperative GDFT with restrictive fluid therapy combined with an ERAS protocol on the incidence of AKI after thoracoscopic lobectomy in high-risk patients. The hypothesis is that the restrictive fluid therapy is noninferior to GDFT in reducing the incidence of AKI, but restrictive fluid therapy is simpler to apply than GDFT.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04302467. Registered on 26 February 2020

Minimizing perioperative fluid administration is a key component of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols (ERAS). Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. Our aim was to assess the association of ERAS with the incidence and severity of AKI in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. In this single-study retrospective review, patients undergoing colorectal surgery from 2013 to 2017 were included. Primary endpoint was postoperative AKI. Secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission. Baseline demographics and procedure types were similar between both groups. AKI was higher in the ERAS versus non-ERAS group (23 vs 9%; P = 0.002). Factors associated with increased risk of AKI on univariate regression included presence of preoperative cardiovascular risk factors (hazard ratio (HR) 3.5; 95% CI 1.3-9.7; P < 0.01), more complex colorectal operations (HR 5.1; 95% CI 1.6-16.1; P < 0.01), and management with an ERAS pathway (HR 2.9; 95% CI 1.5-5.8; P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, ERAS remained a significant risk factor for developing AKI (HR 3.44; 95% CI 1.5-7.7; P < 0.01). ERAS patients had a shorter hospital LOS (3.9 vs 5.9 days, P < 00.1) compared with non-ERAS patients, with no difference in 30-day readmission rates (11.5 vs 10.7%; P = 0.98). Although the incidence of AKI is higher in patients treated with ERAS protocols, the majority represent minor elevations in baseline serum creatinine and did not affect the reduction in hospital LOS associated with ERAS. Given the potential association of AKI, however, with increased long-term morbidity and mortality, ERAS protocols should be optimized to prevent postoperative AKI.