Implementation of Enhanced Recovery Protocols After Minimally Invasive Surgery in Children: A Multinational Survey Study Among International Pediatric Endosurgery Group and European Paediatric Surgeons' Association Members

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this multinational survey was to provide insights into individual surgeon's experience with implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs centered on minimally invasive surgery (misERAS) and to identify perceived barriers to utilization of these protocols. Methods: An online survey was conducted between July 2021 and March 2022 on behalf of the International Pediatric Endosurgery Group (IPEG) and European Paediatric Surgeons' Association (EUPSA) Research Committees. All IPEG and EUPSA members were contacted by e-mail and asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire that included 20 items. Results: Of an estimated 890 IPEG and 800 EUPSA members, 248 completed the survey (14.7%). A minority of respondents (n = 45, 18.1%) stated that misERAS protocols were followed as "utilizing specific ERAS guidelines," whereas 67.3% (n = 167) replied that they were trying to adhere to the basic ERAS principles in their practice. Almost half (n = 117, 47.2%) of the respondents stated that there was an increase in implementation of specific misERAS guidelines over the last 5 years. A lack of education and standardized protocols, lack of support and collaboration, and the existing culture leading to moderate to extreme barriers to misERAS implementation were reported by 25%-40% of respondents. Conclusions: This survey demonstrates that pediatric surgeons from the IPEG and EUPSA communities try to adhere to basic ERAS principles when performing MIS. The major barrier to misERAS implementation is profound lack of education. The fact that only 18% of respondents utilize specific institutional misERAS protocols suggests that at present, ERAS has not found its way into MIS in the broad landscape.