Comparing the Enhanced Recovery Program with the Conventional Techniques in Patients Undergoing Intestinal Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Abstract Background There is limited adoption and paucity of research on ERAS in the Indian scenario despite plethora of literature in the western world. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the efficacy of the ERAS program in Indian population. Methods This prospective study involves 100 patients undergoing planned intestinal surgery, implementing ERAS program in 46 and traditional care in 54 patients. Primary outcomes were postoperative length of hospital stay and morbidity. Secondary outcomes were reinsertion of nasogastric tubes and urinary catheters, postoperative opioid consumption, time to first bowel sounds/flatus/stools, and factors jeopardizing the success of ERAS. Results ERAS without affecting the morbidity, decreases the median postoperative length of stay. Reinsertion was not affected post early removal of nasogastric tubes and urinary catheters. Although, opioid consumption significantly decreased from 51.85–19.57%. Male gender and hypertensive patients were independent predictors of ERAS failure. Conclusion ERAS has significantly benefitted postoperative outcomes with improved quality of patient care and therefore, can be adopted across the health system.