Enhanced recovery program in surgical treatment of patients with germ cell tumors of the testicle: experience of a specialized hospital

Abstract

Background. Surgical treatment after chemotherapy is extremely difficult technically and should only be performed in a specialized medical center. The postoperative period after these surgical interventions is aimed not only at minimizing complications, but also at early mobilization and rehabilitation of patients. The principles of fast-track surgery, or ERAS (Enhanсed Recovery After Surgery) significantly reduce the incidence and degree of complications after various surgical interventions. However, the results of studies on the use of fast track in retroperitoneal lymphadenectomies have not yet been presented.Aim. To determine the effect of enhanced recovery program on treatment outcomes in patients with germ cell tumors of the testicle after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy.Materials and methods. Retrospective analysis of 2 groups of patients (n = 93) treated at the N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology (Saint Petersburg) was performed. In the 1st group of patients, standard postoperative care after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy was performed; in the 2nd group, fast track elements were used. Since the introduction of the ERAS protocol into clinical practice (September 2017), all patients have been included in the 2nd group.Results. The presence or absence of preoperative preparation did not affect the incidence of intraoperative complications (p = 0.031). There were significant differences in the duration of hospitalization between the 1st and 2nd groups –15.3 and 11.9 days (p = 0.03), respectively. Assessment of the pain syndrome using the Numeric Rating Scale for Pain (NRS) showed that median pain level in the 1st group was significantly higher than in the 2nd group: 5 ± 1.5 and 3 ± 1.7, respectively (p = 0.04), which indicates a more severe and less controlled pain syndrome in the 1st group of patients. The rate of infectious complications in the postoperative wound in the 2nd group was 3 cases versus 13 in the 1st group (p = 0.009). The rate of lymphorrhea in 2nd group was significantly lower (p = 0.003), median drainage duration was higher in 1st group (p <0.05). In the 2nd group, 70.6 % of patients did not require drainage, which was an important factor in rapid rehabilitation.Conclusion. The use of fast-track principles in patients after retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative complications and rehabilitation time.