Investigation of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol outcome on post colectomy patients

Abstract

Background An enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol was implemented to improve quality and cost effectiveness of surgical care in elective colorectal procedures. Methods A retrospective study was conducted from July 2017 to June 2018. The ERAS protocol was initiated on 9 July 2018 and retrospectively reviewed in July 2019 by chart review, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database and risk stratification using Clavien–Dindo classification for all elective colorectal procedures. Results A total of 109 patients, 55 (pre-ERAS) and 54 (post-ERAS) are included in the final analysis. There were no differences in complications were recorded ( p = 0.37) and 30-day readmissions ( p = 0.785). The mean hospital stay was 5.89 ± 2.62 days in pre-ERAS and 4.94 ± 2.27 days in post-ERAS group which was statistically significant ( p = 0.047). Conclusions An ERAS protocol for colorectal surgery harmonised perioperative care and decreased length of stay.