Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol Research Articles

Comparison of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol versus Conventional Approach for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: An Interventional Study

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the gold standard for benign gallbladder disease due to its minimal invasiveness, reduced bleeding, and rapid recovery. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, recognised for lowering surgical stress and complications, are increasingly adopted for their postoperative benefits. Aim: To assess and compare postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients undergoing ERAS versus conventional approaches. Materials and Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted at the Surgery Department of Mahatama Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Puducherry, India from January 2021 to June 2022. All patients above 18 years of age undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with American Soceity of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I and II were included. A total of 90 subjects, 45 subjects in the Group A (ERAS protocol) and 45 subjects in the Group B (Conventional approach), were included based on computer-generated random numbers with concealment of allocation. Key parameters, including length of hospital stay, morbidity, postoperative pain, and protocol compliance, were evaluated between both groups. Continuous variables were presented as means with standard deviations and analysed using unpaired t-tests. Categorical variables were expressed as percentages and compared using chisquare tests. Results: The mean age of the study population in ERAS and conventional was 41.3±7.9 years and 41.6±9.6 years, respectively. Similarly, 17 male participants were from the ERAS group and 15 were from the conventional group, whereas among female participants 28 were from the ERAS group and 30 were from the conventional group. The ERAS group demonstrated significant advantages: shorter hospital stays (91.2% vs. 73.4%, p=0.0274), lower Grade 1 morbidity (p=0.0213), and reduced postoperative pain (p=0.0001). Conclusion: The ERAS group exhibited notable benefits, including a shorter hospital stay, reduced morbidity, and lower postoperative pain. These findings suggest the potential for enhanced recovery outcomes with ERAS protocol implementation in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients.

A rapid recovery protocol for head and neck oncology patients undergoing resection, free flap reconstruction, and tracheostomy: a feasibility study

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for head and neck oncology patients was first introduced in 2017 and was found to improve patient outcomes, in line with results from other surgical specialties. This article presents a rapid recovery protocol (RRP) to further enhance perioperative care in conjunction with the ERAS protocol, for patients undergoing ablative surgery together with free flap reconstruction and tracheostomy. A prospective multidisciplinary approach was adopted to identify a specific cohort of patients who would benefit from the RRP. Of 26 patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria, 16 completed the RRP. On average, these patients spent 5 days less with a tracheostomy and were discharged 7 days sooner when compared to a matched control group of nine patients on the standard postoperative care pathway. This resulted in an approximate monetary saving of £ 9955 per patient for the hospital trust. These results demonstrate that the feasibility study should be rolled out further, as the RRP not only decreased the length of stay but also provided substantial monetary savings without compromising patient outcomes.

Impact of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols on surgical site wound infection rates in urological procedures.

This meta-analysis assesses the impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols on surgical site wound infections (SSWIs) in urological procedures. Analysing data from 10 studies, our focus was on SSWI rates on the third and seventh postoperative days. The results reveal a significant reduction in SSWI rates for patients managed under ERAS protocols compared with traditional care. Notably, Figure 4 demonstrates a substantial decrease in SSWI on the third day (I2 = 93%; random: standardized mean difference [SMD]: -6.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -7.42 to -5.05, p < 0.01), and Figure 5 mirrors this trend on the seventh day (I2 = 95%; random: SMD: -4.72, 95% CI: -6.28 to -3.16, p < 0.01). These findings underscore the effectiveness of ERAS protocols in minimizing early postoperative wound infections, emphasizing their importance for broader implementation in urological surgeries.

PERIOPERATIVE CARE IN DIGESTIVE SURGERY: THE ERAS AND ACERTO PROTOCOLS - BRAZILIAN COLLEGE OF DIGESTIVE SURGERY POSITION PAPER.

The concept introduced by protocols of enhanced recovery after surgery modifies perioperative traditional care in digestive surgery. The integration of these modern recommendations components during the perioperative period is of great importance to ensure fewer postoperative complications, reduced length of hospital stay, and decreased surgical costs. To emphasize the most important points of a multimodal perioperative care protocol. Careful analysis of each recommendation of both ERAS and ACERTO protocols, justifying their inclusion in the multimodal care recommended for digestive surgery patients. Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) such as ERAS and ACERTO protocols are a cornerstone in modern perioperative care. Nutritional therapy is fundamental in digestive surgery, and thus, both preoperative and postoperative nutrition care are key to ensuring fewer postoperative complications and reducing the length of hospital stay. The concept of prehabilitation is another key element in ERPs. The handling of crystalloid fluids in a perfect balance is vital. Fluid overload can delay the recovery of patients and increase postoperative complications. Abbreviation of preoperative fasting for two hours before anesthesia is now accepted by various guidelines of both surgical and anesthesiology societies. Combined with early postoperative refeeding, these prescriptions are not only safe but can also enhance the recovery of patients undergoing digestive procedures. This position paper from the Brazilian College of Digestive Surgery strongly emphasizes that the implementation of ERPs in digestive surgery represents a paradigm shift in perioperative care, transcending traditional practices and embracing an intelligent approach to patient well-being.

Enhanced recovery after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery care pathway: Perioperative strategy to improve outcome

IntroAIS surgery generates a high inflammatory stress response which might influence the outcome in the perioperative period. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a global multidisciplinary care pathway aimed to improve patient's recovery. Research questionThe purpose of this article is to expose our actual ERAS protocol for AIS surgery and compare it with the earlier non ERAS management in our institution.Our primary outcome focus on the re-hospitalisation and complications rates at 30 and 90 days postoperatively. Our secondary outcomes focus on the overall morphine consumption, pain scores and side effects during the hospitalisation. MaterialWe compare the results of the ERAS group (2019–2022) with the previous existing classical care pathway (2017–2019). The data were collected in our standard medical files. ResultsOur ERAS care pathway for AIS surgery lead to consequently improve the outcome regarding the VAS scores, the morphine consumption, the LOS and the complication and re hospitalisation rates. DiscussionRegarding our results, ERAS care pathway for AIS surgery appears to be efficient in terms of benefits on complications rates, LOS and opioid consumption.Intrathecal morphine and “anti-inflammatory” anaesthesia provides a good quality of pain management and allows the patient to get up early.A superiority trial might be interesting to highlight the role of the ERAS pathway in AIS surgery.

A Unique 10-year Indian Experience in Enhanced Recovery after Bariatric Surgery

Abstract Purpose: Obesity and related morbidities impose a significant burden on the health system. Bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most effective treatment to achieve the required weight loss and reverse the metabolic syndrome. Patients with obesity essentially fall in the high-risk surgical group. Advances in the perioperative management and anesthetic techniques had resulted in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). We are presenting a 10-year experience of implementing a locally pioneered ERAS protocol that predated contemporary protocols. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of data of all patients who underwent bariatric surgery in a single institution from January 2012 to December 2022 was performed. Microsoft Office Excel 2007 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The 7522 patients included 2408 males and 5114 females (ratio 1:2.1). Mean age was 44.6 ± 17 years (13–81 years) and body mass index 41.9 ± 12.4 kg/m2 (26–77 kg/m2). All procedures were done laparoscopically. Procedures included sleeve gastrectomy 69% (mean operative time 39 min; standard deviation [SD] ±15 min), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass 21% (mean operative time 63 min; SD ± 17 min), and one anastomosis gastric bypass 10% (mean operative time 45 min; SD ± 7 min). Seventy percent of patients were discharged within 24 h after surgery and 1.4% hospitalized for ≥72 h. Four hundred and eighty-nine patients (6.5%) were readmitted within 30 days of surgery (96% mandated by inadequate oral intake). The incidence of early major complications was 0.3%. There was no documented mortality. Conclusion: This protocol’s long-term safety and efficacy support the current ERAS guidelines.

Implementation of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for radical cystectomy patients: A single centre experience.

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for radical cystectomy aims to facilitate postoperative recovery and hasten a return to normal daily activities. This study aims to report on the perioperative outcomes of implementation of an ERAS protocol at a single Australian institution. We identified 73 patients with pT1-T4 bladder cancer who underwent open radical cystectomy at Western Health, Victoria between June 2016 and August 2021. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed. Perioperative outcomes included length of hospital stay, nasogastric tube requirement and duration of postoperative ileus. The median age was 74 years (interquartile range [IQR] 66-78) for the ERAS group and 70 years (IQR 65-78) for the pre-ERAS group patients. All patients in each group underwent ileal conduit formation. The median length of hospital stay was 7.0 days (IQR 7.0-9.3) for the ERAS group and 12.0 days (IQR 8.0-16.0) for the pre-ERAS group (p=0.003). Within the ERAS group, 25.0% had a postoperative ileus, and 25.0% had a nasogastric tube inserted, compared with 64.9% (p=0.001) and 45.9% (p=0.063) respectively within pre-ERAS group. The median bowel function recovery time, defined as duration from surgery to first bowel action, was 5.0 days (IQR 4.0-7.0) in the ERAS group and 7.5 days (IQR 5.0-8.5) in the pre-ERAS group (p=0.016). Implementation of an ERAS protocol is associated with a reduction in hospital length of stay, postoperative ileus and bowel function recovery time.

Peri-Operative Outcomes of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease After the Introduction of an ERAS Protocol – A Retrospective Cohort Review

Peri-Operative Outcomes of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease After the Introduction of an ERAS Protocol – A Retrospective Cohort Review

Impact of Surgical Resident Education and EMR Standardization in Enhancing ERAS Adherence and Outcomes in Colorectal Surgery

Our study aimed at investigating the degree of adherence to ERAS pathway at our institution and to evaluate the role of providing resident education and a standardized EMR order set in improving adherence and patient surgical outcomes. The study is prospective in nature and consists of two phases with a preintervention cohort to assess adherence to ERAS protocol and a postintervention cohort to evaluate improvement in adherence and patient outcomes. Adherence with the ERAS protocol was assessed across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. The study took place at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, involving inpatient care at a surgical ward. During the preintervention phase, patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were identified over 6 months (N = 77), and their adherence to the ERAS protocol was assessed. Following the intervention of surgical resident and faculty education sessions on the ERAS protocol and the implementation of a standardized order set in the Electronic Medical Record, a postintervention cohort (N = 54) was selected for comparison over another 6 months. Among 77 patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery, the adherence rate to ERAS protocol was notably below 80% for most elements of the postoperative phase. When pre- and postintervention cohorts were compared, there were no significant differences in the baseline demographics and perioperative variables. After the implementation of our intervention, adherence rates were significantly improved in 7 out of 8 ERAS protocol elements of the postintervention phase. Among primary outcome measures, readmission rate (24.7% vs.9.4%; p = 0.022) and length of stay (7.3 ± 4.5 vs. 5.5 ± 3.6; p = 0.014) were significantly lower in the postintervention cohort. Although the rate of postoperative complications did not decrease significantly (33.8% vs. 31.5%; p = 0.284), there were fewer patients with postoperative ileus and surgical site infections. Outcomes were evaluated based on an 8-point score of postoperative ERAS elements. A significant decrease in mean length of stay and readmission rates is observed when at least 5 elements are completed, emphasizing the ERAS pathway's importance as a complementary bundle. Our study highlights the impact of resident education and electronic medical record standardization on ERAS adherence in colorectal surgery. This multidisciplinary approach improves adherence, reduces hospital stay, and enhances communication among healthcare providers for better patient outcomes.

Implementation of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery at a General hospital in Zambia

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), with its aim of reducing operative stress and accelerating rehabilitation, became a standard perioperative care in multiple surgical specialties in developed world. However, little is known about the implementation of the fast-track pathways in a low-resource environment. The objective of the study was to describe our experience and share lessons obtained in using ERAS protocol in general surgery patients.&#x0D; Methods: In this descriptive study, all consecutive patients with no age restrictions undergoing elective and urgent abdominal surgery were assessed for inclusion in ERAS program. A retrospective analysis encompasses 98 patients aged two weeks to 87 years with male to female ratio of 2.3:1. Outcomes were functional recovery, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay.&#x0D; Results: All elements of ERAS protocol including minimal incision length laparotomy and accelerated postoperative care were used; however, certain components were modified depending on the availability of the resources and patient’s condition. Postoperative period complicated in 17.4% of cases, seven patients (7.4%) died after urgent operations, and no mortality was recorded after elective procedures. Median length of stay was 4.0 days. Local and systemic septic complications, paralytic ileus and performing of the stoma reversal procedure during the same hospital stay were reasons for delayed discharge.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study indicates that employment of ERAS program for general surgery population at a second level hospital is feasible and safe. Further larger-scale studies are needed.

Praktické klinické doporučení pro perioperační péči v bariatrické chirurgii 2023: adaptace doporučení společnosti ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) s konsenzuálním hlasováním pracovní skupiny Společné sekce bariatricko-metabolické chirurgie České chirurgické společnosti a České obezitologické společnosti

Summary: Introduction: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for the morbid obesity. It results in sustained weight loss as well as pronounced effects on obesity-related comorbidities. In the last twenty years the number of procedures performed worldwide increased. Therefore, the effort to establish a consensus in perioperative care based on best evidence in this issue is evident. Methods: Working Group of Joint Section of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery of Czech Surgery Society and Czech Obesitology Society reached practical recommendations for ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) in perioperative care in bariatric surgery. It issued from ERAS recommendations published in 2021. Working group adopted the original text, consequently adapted and in particular cases affixed its commentary. The electronic voting of all members of working group was the final phase, by which the strength of consensus of particular elements was expressed. Results: The Czech working group reached the consensus with recommendations ERABS (Enhanced Recovery After Bariatric Surgery) in the most elements. For some interventions of ERAS protocol for bariatric surgery the quality of evidence is low. Therefore, evidence-based practices may need to be extrapolated from other surgeries. Conclusion: The recommendation is appointed for clinical practice in bariatric surgery with protocol ERAS based on updated evidence and recommendations. It is based on recent and comprehensive ERAS recommendation, which was adopted and adapted by the Czech working group of Joint Section of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery of Czech Surgery Society and Czech Obesitology Society. The Czech version contents some supplementations and specifications in commentaries. Original article was published in Rozhledy v chirurgii [1]. Key words: bariatric and metabolic surgery – Enhanced Recovery After Surgery – practical clinical recommendations

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Approach: A Medical Complex Experience.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach aimed at reducing organ failure and mitigating stress reactions in surgery patients. This investigation sought to assess available data concerning the benefits of ERAS protocols in improving patient outcomes for individuals undergoing significant colorectal surgery. The study involved 65 patients who underwent colectomy and lower anterior resection for rectal cancers. Patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 comprised 22 patients enrolled retrospectively who received the traditional protocol; Group 2 consisted of 20 patients enrolled prospectively who received the ERAS protocol; and Group 3 included 23 patients enrolled retrospectively who received the ERAS protocol. Each patient underwent a comprehensive history, physical examination, laboratory testing, computed tomography, MRI, and chest radiography. Hospital stay durations were significantly shorter in both ERAS groups during the first and second cycles compared to the non-ERAS group (P<0.001, <0.001), with no significant difference between ERAS groups in either cycle. Delayed intestinal motility was significantly more pronounced in the non-ERAS group compared to ERAS groups in both cycles (P=0.005), with only five (22.7%) cases reported in the non-ERAS group. ERAS implementation in the perioperative management of colorectal surgery patients is associated with improved outcomes and shorter recovery times. Implementation of ERAS in hospitals is feasible and beneficial.

Enhanced recovery in cranial surgery (ERACraS) – A single-centre quality improvement study

BackgroundEnhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a well-established, protocol-driven, evidence-based approach to peri-operative care. ERAS protocols have been used to improve patient morbidity and mortality outcomes in various surgical specialties. More recently, it has been introduced to neurosurgery. Our aim was to establish an Enhanced Recovery After Cranial Surgery (ERACraS) protocol for patients as part of a quality improvement project (QIP) with the intention of reducing hospital length of stay (HLOS). MethodsThis QIP was carried out in the Department of Neurosciences (DCN), Edinburgh, over two four-month periods. A total of 40 patients over 18 years of age undergoing elective craniotomy surgery under a sole neurosurgeon were invited to take part in this QIP. Subsequently, data was retrospectively collected through our institution’s online documentation system. Results19 patients received conventional perioperative care (pre-ERACraS group) during December 2021-March 2022, and 21 received care according to the novel ERACraS (ERACraS group) during June-September 2022. Regarding supra-tentorial surgery, there was a reduction of 73% in HLOS in the ERACraS group. No change was observed in infra-tentorial surgery. Overall, the ERACraS protocol reduced HLOS by 50% in cranial surgery. ConclusionThe QIP data from ERACraS in our unit has shown that implementing ERAS protocols is feasible. A reduction in HLOS has implications for patient morbidity, mortality, and quality of care. We endeavour to collect long-term data by collaborating with neurosurgical units across the UK and Ireland to validate its feasibility and sustainability as part of a major QIP in neurosurgical practice. This can be potentially adopted by neurosurgical centres across the globe in a safe and sustained manner.

Implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in patients with metabolic syndrome in abdominal surgery

Efforts to standardize methods of perioperative management of patients prompted the creation of appropriate algorithms. The rapid development of modern surgery, the introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques, the improvement of anesthesiological services, and also the placing of emphasis on the deepening of pathophysiological processes, which are important for achieving the maximum effectiveness of treatment and patient safety. Thus began the era of implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols on the practice. At the same time, such tactics, in certain cases, do not take into account individual concomitant conditions of patients, which can complicate the course of the perioperative period and endanger the life and health of the patient. Metabolic syndrome is just such a condition, the neglect of which is frivolous on the part of the doctor, because with much greater risks it can provoke the development of cardiovascular, respiratory, infectious and other complications, which worsens the prognosis of treatment and also increases the economic costs of treating such patients. The paradox is that, despite its significant prevalence in the world population, there are relatively few scientific works investigating the influence of metabolic syndrome on the course of the perioperative period in the context of ERAS. Considering the prevalence of this condition among the population and the presence of hidden forms of metabolic disorders, the metabolic syndrome clearly deserves additional attention from the doctor and may require additional research on the development and implementation of new strategies for enhanced recovery after surgery protocols taking into account this pathology in the long term. This article presents the main components of ERAS protocols in colorectal and general abdominal surgery with an emphasis on the specifics of their implementation in patients with metabolic syndrome. In particular, specific details of both the surgical and anesthetic pathways of ERAS are provided in terms of preoperative, postoperative, and postoperative care.

Bringing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery to the NICU: An Implementation Trial

IntroductionEnhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines are bundled evidence-informed recommendations implemented to improve quality and safety of perioperative care. This study aims to determine feasibility of NICU implementation of an ERAS Guideline for Intestinal Resection, describing clinical outcomes and adherence to recommendations following light-touch implementation. MethodsInfants <28 days undergoing laparotomy for intestinal resection in a closed-NICU were prospectively enrolled. Exclusion criteria included prematurity (<32wks), instability, or major comorbidity. Clinical data reflecting 13 ERAS recommendations were collected through chart review. Descriptive statistics are presented as median [interquartile range]. Thirty-day post-discharge outcomes include NICU and hospital length of stay (LOS), ventilator days, surgical site infection (SSI), re-intubation, readmission, reoperation, and mortality. Adherence was calculated as the percentage of patients eligible for each recommendation whose care was adherent. ResultsTen infant-parent dyads were enrolled (five females; GA 37 weeks [35, 38.8]; birthweight 2.97 kg [2.02, 3.69]). Surgical diagnoses included intestinal atresia/web (n = 6), anorectal malformation (n = 3), and segmental volvulus (n = 1). NICU LOS was 16 days [11, 21], hospital LOS 20 days [18, 30], and 2.5 ventilator days/patient [2, 3]. There was reduced opioid use, no SSIs, one re-intubation, three readmissions, three reoperations, and no mortalities. Adherence to ERAS recommendations ranged 0–100 % with a pooled adherence rate of 73 %. ConclusionIt is feasible to introduce ERAS to the NICU with acceptable overall adherence. Assessing adherence was challenging for some measures. There were promising early clinical findings including a reduction in opioid use. This implementation trial will inform development of an ERAS protocol for surgical NICUs. Level of evidenceIV (Cohort Study).

The impact of perioperative fluid therapy on the short-term outcomes after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery with ERAS protocol: a prospective observational study

The main goals of the Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol are focused on shortening the length of hospital stay (LOS), expediting convalescence, and reducing morbidity. A balanced perioperative fluid therapy is among the significant interventions incorporated by the ERAS protocol. The article contains extensive discussion surrounding the impact of this individual intervention on short-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of perioperative fluid therapy on short-term outcomes in patients after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery. The analysis included consecutive patients, who had undergone laparoscopic colorectal cancer operations between 2013 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: restricted (≤ 2500 ml) or excessive (> 2500 ml) perioperative fluid therapy. A standardized ERAS protocol was implemented in all patients. The study outcomes included recovery parameters and the morbidity rate, LOS and 30 days readmission rate. There were 361 and 80 patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic parameters and factors related to the surgical procedure. Logistic regression showed that restricted fluid therapy as a single intervention was associated with improvement in tolerance of diet on 1st postoperative day (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.31–3.62, p = 0.003), accelerated mobilization on 1st postoperative day (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.29–4.61, p = 0.006), lower risk of postoperative morbidity (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.36–0.98, p = 0.046), shorter LOS (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29–0.81, p = 0.005) and reduced readmission rate (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23–0.98, p = 0.045). A balanced perioperative fluid therapy on the day of surgery may be associated with faster convalescence, lower morbidity rate, shorter LOS and lower 30 days readmission rate.

The time is right to implement Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) broadly across pediatric surgery

ERAS is a global surgical quality improvement program that has demonstrated benefit across numerous surgical disciplines in terms of both clinical outcome improvements for patients and cost savings for the healthcare system. Successful implementation of ERAS is contingent on a well-functioning multidisciplinary team that uses audit to iterate towards increased ERAS protocol compliance. Although pediatric surgery was slow initially to adopt ERAS, there have been several important developments over the last 5 years including publication of the first ERAS® Society guideline in neonatal intestinal surgery and formation of the Pediatric ERAS® Society. The time is right to implement ERAS broadly across pediatric surgery.

The iterative implementation of a comprehensive enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in all spinal surgery in Korea: a comparative analysis of clinical outcomes and medical costs between primary spinal tumors and degenerative spinal diseases.

Most studies on the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in spine surgery have focused on patients with degenerative spinal diseases (DSDs), resulting in a lack of evidence for a comprehensive ERAS protocol applicable to patients with primary spine tumors (PSTs) and other spinal diseases. The authors had developed and gradually adopted components of the comprehensive ERAS protocol for all spine surgical procedures from 2003 to 2011, and then the current ERAS protocol was fully implemented in 2012. This study aimed to evaluate the impact and the applicability of the comprehensive ERAS protocol across all spine surgical procedures and to compare outcomes between the PST and DSD groups. Adult spine surgical procedures were conducted from 2003 to 2021 at the Seoul National University Hospital Spine Center and data were retrospectively reviewed. The author divided the study periods into the developing ERAS (2003-2011) and post-current ERAS (2012-2021) periods, and outcomes were compared between the two periods. Surgical procedures for metastatic cancer, infection, and trauma were excluded. Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) was used to assess the impact of the ERAS protocol on medical costs and clinical outcomes, including length of stay (LOS) and rates of 30-day readmission, reoperation, and surgical site infection (SSI). Subgroup analyses were conducted on the PST and DSD groups in terms of LOS and medical costs. The study included 7143 surgical procedures, comprising 1494 for PSTs, 5340 for DSDs, and 309 for other spinal diseases. After ERAS protocol implementation, spine surgical procedures showed significant reductions in LOS and medical costs by 22% (p = 0.008) and 22% (p < 0.001), respectively. The DSD group demonstrated a 16% (p < 0.001) reduction in LOS, whereas the PST group achieved a 28% (p < 0.001) reduction, noting a more pronounced LOS reduction in PST surgical procedures (p = 0.003). Medical costs decreased by 23% (p < 0.001) in the DSD group and 12% (p = 0.054) in the PST group, with a larger cost reduction for DSD surgical procedures (p = 0.021). No statistically significant differences were found in the rates of 30-day readmission, reoperation, and SSI between the developing and post-current ERAS implementation periods (p = 0.65, p = 0.59, and p = 0.52, respectively). Comprehensive ERAS protocol implementation significantly reduced LOS and medical costs in all spine surgical procedures, while maintaining comparable 30-day readmission, reoperation, and SSI rates. These findings suggest that the ERAS protocol is equally applicable to all spine surgical procedures, with a more pronounced effect on reducing LOS in the PST group and on reducing medical costs in the DSD group.

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol for the surgical management of craniosynostosis: Lausanne experience.

Over the past decade, the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program has demonstrated its effectiveness and efficiency in improving postoperative care and enhancing recovery across various surgical fields. Preliminary results of ERAS protocol implementation in craniosynostosis surgery are presented. An ERAS protocol was developed and implemented for cranial pediatric neurosurgery, focusing on craniosynostosis repair. The study incorporated a pre-ERAS group consisting of a consecutive series of patients who underwent craniosynostosis repair surgery prior to the implementation of the ERAS protocol; the results were compared with a consecutive group of patients who had been prospectively collected since the introduction of the ERAS for craniosynostosis protocol. The safety, feasibility, and efficiency of the ERAS protocol in pediatric neurosurgery was evaluated, through the collection of clinical data from the pre-, intra-, and postoperative phase. Surgery-related complications were evaluated according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Costs of the stays were obtained using a microcosting approach. A total of 35 pre-ERAS patients and 10 ERAS patients were included. Scaphocephaly was the most common pathology in both groups. The overall compliance with the pre-, intra-, and postoperative criteria significantly increased-from 35.5%, 64.4%, and 54.7%, respectively, in each phase to 94%, 90%, and 84% (p < 0.001). The authors noticed a reduction in the average opioid dose used per patient in the ERAS group (p = 0.004), and they observed a trend toward a decreased mean length of stay from 5.2 days in the pre-ERAS group to 4.6 days in the ERAS group, without an increase of the rate of readmission within 30 days of surgery. The rate of complications decreased but this difference was not statistically significant. The hospital costs lowered significantly: from 21,958 Confederatio Helvetica Francs (CHF) in the pre-ERAS group to 18,936 CHF in the ERAS group (p = 0.02). The ERAS protocol represents a safe and cost-effective tool for the perioperative management of craniosynostosis. It showed its positive impact on the analgesia provided and on the reduction of in-hospital costs for these patients. ERAS protocols may thus be interesting options in the pediatric neurosurgical field.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol Decreases Length of Stay and Postoperative Narcotic Use in Microvascular Breast Reconstruction

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have demonstrated efficacy following microvascular breast reconstruction. This study assesses the impact of an ERAS protocol following microvascular breast reconstruction at a high-volume center. Methods: The ERAS protocol introduced preoperative counseling, multimodal analgesia, early diet resumption, and early mobilization to our microvascular breast reconstruction procedures. Data, including length of stay, body mass index, inpatient narcotic use, outpatient narcotic prescriptions, inpatient pain scores, and complications, were prospectively collected for all patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction between April 2019 and July 2021. Traditional pathway patients who underwent reconstruction immediately before ERAS implementation were retrospectively reviewed as controls. Results: The study included 200 patients, 99 in traditional versus 101 in ERAS. Groups were similar in body mass index, age (median age: traditional, 54.0 versus ERAS, 50.0) and bilateral reconstruction rates (59.6% versus 61.4%). ERAS patients had significantly shorter lengths of stay, with 96.0% being discharged by postoperative day (POD) 3, and 88.9% of the traditional cohort were discharged on POD 4 (P &lt; 0.0001). Inpatient milligram morphine equivalents (MMEs) were smaller by 54.3% in the ERAS cohort (median MME: 154.2 versus 70.4, P &lt; 0.0001). Additionally, ERAS patients were prescribed significantly fewer narcotics upon discharge (median MME: 337.5 versus 150.0, P &lt; 0.0001). ERAS had a lower pain average on POD 0–3; however, this finding was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Implementing an ERAS protocol at a high-volume microvascular breast reconstruction center reduced length of stay and postoperative narcotic usage, without increasing pain or perioperative complications.