Newly implemented enhanced recovery pathway positively impacts hospital length of stay

Early discharge after enhanced recovery rectal resection does not increase emergency department visits and readmissions: a single institution analysis

BACKGROUND

Same-day discharge after colectomy in enhanced recovery pathways has been shown to be feasible. It is not clear how early patients with rectal resections may be safely discharged. The study aim was to determine if patients discharged ≤ 3 days after rectal resections are associated with increased rates of emergency department (ED) visits and hospital readmissions.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of enhanced recovery low anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, and proctocolectomy patients in a prospectively maintained single institution colorectal surgery database from 01/01/2018 to 07/15/2022. Clinic visits were scheduled within 4-7 days and at 30 days after discharge, and every 1-2 weeks for stoma patients until no longer needed. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of discharge on postoperative days (POD)-1-3, POD-4-5, and POD ≥ 6 days with incidence of ED visits and readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients met inclusion criteria, 76 with stomas. Median postoperative length of stay was 5 [IQR 6.5] days. Mean age was 58.6 years; 59.3% were ASA-3; and 69.5% had a minimally invasive surgical approach. ED visits were not significantly different between discharge-day groups (p = 0.096). No patients were discharged same-day, one without a stoma was discharged on POD-1, ten patients (2 with stomas) on POD-2, and twenty-four patients (13 with stomas) on POD-3. ED visits were lowest for the POD-1-3 group (14.3%) but not significantly different than later discharge groups (p = 0.166). Readmission rate was also lowest for the POD-1-3 group (11.4%) and also not significantly different than later discharge groups (p = 0.261) and this was confirmed with logistic regression. Complication rate was lowest in the POD-1-3 group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Early discharge after enhanced recovery partial or complete proctectomy is not associated with increased ED visits and readmissions. Follow up studies should identify post-discharge resources that allow safe early discharge and that may be standardized and generalizable.

Early Discharge after Enhanced Recovery Colectomy Does Not Increase Emergency Department Visits and Readmissions: A Single Institution Analysis

BACKGROUND

Same-day discharge after colorectal surgery in enhanced recovery pathways is increasing. This study aimed to determine if discharge on postoperative days (POD) one or two is associated with increased rates of emergency department (ED) visits and hospital readmissions after left and right colectomy.

METHODS

Single institution retrospective analysis of prospective institutional colorectal surgery database between 07/01/2018 and 07/15/2022. Primary outcomes were ED visit and readmission rates for enhanced recovery open and minimally invasive right and left colectomy using logistic regressions models.

RESULTS

820 patients met inclusion criteria. There were significant differences in discharge-day by diagnosis-58.5% of patients with Crohn's disease were discharged on POD ≥4 and 21.6% with benign colon neoplasia were discharged on POD-0-1 (P < .001). ED visits occurred in 12.9% of the study population and were not significantly different between discharge-day groups (P = .096). Overall readmission rate was 8.5% and significantly different between discharge-day groups (0% POD-0 vs 8.3% POD-1 vs 5.8% POD-2 vs 6.9% POD-3 vs 12.9% POD ≥4, P = .041). Logistic regression showed that ED visits and readmissions for longer discharge-days (POD-2, POD-3, POD ≥4) were not significantly different than POD-0-1. Readmission diagnoses for the study population were higher for ileus (17.1%) and surgical site infection (SSI) type-III (22.9%) than for acute kidney injury (1.4%) and SSI type-I/II (1.4%).

CONCLUSION

Early discharge after left and right colectomy is not associated with increased rates of ED visits and readmissions. Same-day discharge may be feasible in selected enhanced recovery patients. Standardized post-discharge resources that safely allow same-day discharge require further investigation.

Short-term outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in robotic-assisted McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: a single-center retrospective cohort study

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the short-term outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in perioperative robotic-assisted McKeown esophagectomy (RAME) among esophageal cancer patients.

Methods

For this retrospective study, all patients who had undergone RAME with esophageal cancer using ERAS protocol and conventional management strategy at the surgery center of our hospital from February 2019 to March 2022 were performed for analysis.

Results

A total of 211 patients were included. Compared to the conventional group, the ERAS group has shorter median operative time [207 (147.5-267.5) vs. 244 (183-305), P<0.001], time to first flatus (P<0.001), time to out-of-bed activity (P=0.045), and time to liquid diet (P<0.001). In addition, the ERAS group has lower postoperative pain scores (3.62 ± 0.87 vs. 4.54 ± 0.91), shorter duration of analgesia pump [2 (1-3) vs. 3 (2.5-5.5)], shorter postoperative hospital stay [(9 (6-47) vs. 11 (6-79)], shorter postoperative hospital stay within neoadjuvant treated patients [8 (7-43) vs. 13 (8-67], shorter postoperative ICU stay [1 (0-7) vs. 2 (0-15)], and less reoperation rate (7.6% vs. 16.8%). Furthermore, the overall complication rate was significantly lower in the ERAS group (26.1%) than in the conventional group (50.4%). Notably, the ERAS group had lower thoracic fluid drainage volume than the conventional group on postoperative 2-7 days (P<0.05).

Conclusions

The application of ERAS protocol in esophageal cancer patients treated with RAME showed advantages of quick postoperative recovery in contrast to the conventional management strategy.

Robotic-assisted intracorporeal versus extracorporeal techniques in sigmoidectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis

Scarce research has been performed to assess the safety and efficacy of anastomosis technique on robotic-assisted sigmoidectomy. This study was designed to evaluate the difference between intracorporeal and extracorporeal techniques during robotic-assisted sigmoidectomy. Clinical data of 193 cases who received robotic-assisted sigmoidectomy were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Only 116 cases were available for analysis (intracorporeal group = 58 and extracorporeal group = 58) after propensity score matching. Independent sample t test was conducted to evaluate the continuous variables. Moreover, the statistical significance of categorical variables was tested using Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. Statistical analysis showed that the intracorporeal group demonstrated greater superiorities in pain scale on the first and second postoperative day (P < 0.05), time of catheter indwelling (P = 0.009), and length of hospital stay (P = 0.019). Additionally, the intracorporeal technique contributed to fewer complications including urinary retention (P = 0.027) and hernia (P = 0.037) than the extracorporeal group. Our analysis revealed that intracorporeal technique was safe and feasible due to the shorter time of catheter indwelling and length of hospital stay and fewer post-operation complications.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol in Bariatric Surgery Leads to Decreased Complications and Shorter Length of Stay

PURPOSE

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have been shown in some specialties to improve short-term outcomes following surgical procedures. There is no consensus regarding the optimal perioperative care for bariatric surgical patients. The purpose of this study was to develop a bariatric ERAS protocol and determine whether it improved outcomes following surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An IRB-approved prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing bariatric surgery from October 2018 to January 2020. Propensity matching was used to compare post-ERAS implementation patients to pre-ERAS implementation.

RESULTS

There were 319 patients (87 ERAS, 232 pre-ERAS) who underwent bariatric operations between October 2018 and January 2020. Seventy-nine patients were kept on the ERAS protocol whereas 8 deviated. Patients who deviated from the ERAS protocol had a longer length of stay when compared to patients who completed the protocol. The use of any ERAS protocol (completed or deviated) reduced the odds of complications by 54% and decreased length of stay by 15%. Furthermore, patients who completed the ERAS protocol had an 83% reduction in odds of complications and 31% decrease in length of stay. Similar trends were observed in the matched cohort with 74% reduction in odds of complications and 26% reduction in length of stay when ERAS was used.

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS protocol decreases complications and reduces length of stay in bariatric patients.

Validation of prolonged length of stay as a reliable measure of failure to rescue in colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Failure-to-rescue measures a hospital's response capacity to avoid the death of a patient after a complication. The aim of this study was to validate the use of prolonged length of stay to calculate failure-to-rescue rates as a substitute for traditional coding of complications in colorectal cancer surgery.

METHOD

We performed a cross-sectional between-instruments agreement study. Our study population was comprised of 204 colorectal cancer surgical patients from a public academic hospital during 2017 and 2018. We obtained two failure-to-rescue indicators from administrative data: an indicator using International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition, (ICD-10) codes; and another one using a cut-off point of prolonged length of stay as a predictor of patients with complications. Then, they were compared with a reference indicator from clinical records.

RESULTS

Failure-to-rescue rates were between 10 and 13.64 for the study site depending on which indicator was used. A hospital stay ≥10 days had the maximum Youden's index (0.6) and an area under the ROC curve of 0.87. This was used in the failure-to-rescue indicator using prolonged length, which obtained the highest agreement (any coefficient >0.75).

CONCLUSION

ICD-10 codes identified complications poorly. Prolonged length of stay could be a valid replacement of ICD-10 codes when measuring failure-to-rescue in administrative databases for colorectal surgical patients.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) decreases complications and reduces length of stay in foregut surgery patients

INTRODUCTION

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs provide a framework for optimal perioperative care to improve post-operative outcomes following surgical procedures. However, there is no consensus regarding an ERAS protocol following foregut surgery. The purpose of this study was to develop an ERAS protocol for these patients and determine whether they improved outcomes.

METHODS

An IRB approved prospectively maintained database was retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing benign minimally invasive foregut surgery from October 2018 to January 2020. All patients were entered into the ACS risk calculator to determine their predicted rate of complications and length of stay for comparison between the ERAS and control groups. Propensity matching was used to compare post-ERAS implementation to pre-ERAS implementation patients. Firth logistic and Poisson regression analysis were used to assess the rate of complications and length of stay among the different groups of patients.

RESULTS

There were 255 patients (60 Post-ERAS, 195 Pre-ERAS) who underwent foregut operations and met inclusion criteria. ERAS was implemented, and patients were then subdivided based on those who completed ERAS (44) and those who deviated from the protocol (16). Propensity matching analysis was performed to compare the different cohorts and showed ERAS patients had 41% decreased odds of complications and 33% reduction in length of stay compared to pre-ERAS patients. Completion of the ERAS protocol resulted in even further reductions in odds of complication and length of stay compared to patients who deviated from the protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS has shown to improve perioperative outcomes, but there is limited literature supporting the use of ERAS in foregut surgery. Usage of an ERAS protocol can decrease complications and reduce the length of stay in patients.

A Single-Institution Analysis of Targeted Colorectal Surgery Enhanced Recovery Pathway Strategies That Decrease Readmissions

BACKGROUND

Decreasing readmissions is an important quality improvement strategy. Targeted interventions that effectively decrease readmissions have not been fully investigated and standardized.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to decrease readmissions after colorectal surgery.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective comparison of patients before and after the implementation of interventions.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a single institution dedicated enhanced recovery pathway colorectal surgery service.

PATIENTS

The study group received quality review interventions that were designed to decrease readmissions: preadmission class upgrades, a mobile phone app, a pharmacist-led pain management strategy, and an early postdischarge clinic. The control group was composed of enhanced recovery patients before the interventions. Propensity score weighting was used to adjust patient characteristics and predictors for imbalances.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The primary outcome was 30-day readmissions. Secondary outcomes included emergency department visits.

RESULTS

There were 1052 patients in the preintervention group and 668 patients in the postintervention group. After propensity score weighting, the postintervention cohort had a significantly lower readmission rate (9.98% vs 17.82%, p < 0.001) and emergency department visit rate (14.58% vs 23.15%, p < 0.001) than the preintervention group, and surgical site infection type I/II was significantly decreased as a readmission diagnosis (9.46% vs 2.43%, p = 0.043). Median time to readmission was 6 (interquartile 3-11) days in the preintervention group and 8 (3-17) days in the postintervention group (p = 0.21). Ileus, acute kidney injury, and surgical site infection type III were common reasons for readmissions and emergency department visits.

LIMITATIONS

A single-institution study may not be generalizable.

CONCLUSION

Readmission bundles composed of targeted interventions are associated with a decrease in readmissions and emergency department visits after enhanced recovery colorectal surgery. Bundle composition may be institution dependent. Further study and refinement of bundle components are required as next-step quality metric improvements. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B849.

ANLISIS EN UNA SOLA INSTITUCIN DE LAS CIRUGAS COLORECTALES CON VAS DE RECUPERACIN DIRIGIDA AUMENTADA QUE REDUCEN LOS REINGRESOS

ANTECEDENTES:La reducción de los reingresos es una importante estrategia de mejora de la calidad. Las intervenciones dirigidas que reducen eficazmente los reingresos no se han investigado ni estandarizado por completo.OBJETIVO:El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de las intervenciones diseñadas para disminuir los reingresos después de la cirugía colorrectal.DISEÑO:Comparación retrospectiva de pacientes antes y después de la implementación de las intervenciones.ESCENARIO:Una sola institución dedicada al Servicio de cirugía colorrectal con vías de recuperación dirigida aumentadaPACIENTES:El grupo de estudio recibió intervenciones de revisión de calidad que fueron diseñadas para disminuir los reingresos: actualizaciones de clases previas a la admisión, una aplicación para teléfono móvil, una estrategia de manejo del dolor dirigida por farmacéuticos y alta temprana de la clínica. El grupo de control estaba compuesto por pacientes con recuperación mejorada antes de las intervenciones. Se utilizó la ponderación del puntaje de propensión para ajustar las características del paciente y los predictores de los desequilibrios.PARÁMETRO DE RESULTADO PRINCIPAL:El resultado primario fueron los reingresos a los 30 días. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron visitas al servicio de urgencias.RESULTADOS:Hubo 1052 pacientes en el grupo de preintervención y 668 pacientes en el grupo de posintervención. Después de la ponderación del puntaje de propensión, la cohorte posterior a la intervención tuvo una tasa de reingreso significativamente menor (9,98% frente a 17,82%, p <0,001) y una tasa de visitas al servicio de urgencias (14,58% frente a 23,15%, p <0,001) que el grupo de preintervención y la infección del sitio quirúrgico tipo I / II se redujo significativamente como diagnóstico de reingreso (9,46% frente a 2,43%, p = 0,043). La mediana de tiempo hasta la readmisión fue de 6 [IQR 3, 11] días en el grupo de preintervención y de 8 [3, 17] días en el grupo de posintervención (p = 0,21). El íleo, la lesión renal aguda y la infección del sitio quirúrgico tipo III fueron motivos frecuentes de reingresos y visitas al servicio de urgencias.LIMITACIONES:El estudio de una sola institución puede no ser generalizable.CONCLUSIÓNES:Los paquetes de readmisión compuestos por intervenciones dirigidas se asocian con una disminución en las readmisiones y las visitas al departamento de emergencias después de una cirugía colorrectal con vías de recuperación dirigida aumentada. La composición del paquete puede depender de la institución. Se requieren más estudios y refinamientos de los componentes del paquete como siguiente paso de mejora de la métrica de calidad. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B849. (Traducción-Dr Yolanda Colorado).

Classification of intraoperative adverse events in visceral surgery

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative adverse events (iAEs) are frequent in visceral surgery, but severity and related postoperative outcome are poorly investigated. A novel classification of intraoperative adverse events, ClassIntra, includes surgical and anesthesiologic intraoperative adverse events using 5 severity grades and showed a high criterion and construct validity across all surgical disciplines. ClassIntra was studied for reproducibility in a prespecified group of patients undergoing visceral surgery.

METHODS

iAEs were recorded in all patients enrolled in the ClassIntra validation study (NCT03009929). Postoperative complications were assessed daily according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Results of the visceral group were compared with those of the non-visceral group and the full cohort. The risk-adjusted association between most severe intra and postoperative complications was investigated in a multivariable proportional odds model. Second, risk-adjusted association between ClassIntra grade and Comprehensive Complication Index, and postoperative length of stay was investigated.

RESULTS

In total, 1,270 out of 2,520 patients (50%) underwent visceral surgery. Compared with the nonvisceral group and full cohort, more intraoperative (337/1270 [27%] vs 273/1250 [22%] vs 610/2520 [24%] patients) and postoperative complications (457/1270 [36%] vs 381/1250 [30%] vs 838/2520 [33%] patients) occurred. The risk for a more severe postoperative complication increased with each ClassIntra grade (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] I vs 0 1.10 [0.73 to 1.66], II vs 0 1.69 [1.10 to 2.60], III vs 0 2.31 [1.21 to 4.41], IV vs 0 2.35 [0.69 to 8.06]). Accordingly, CCI and postoperative length of stay increased with each ClassIntra grade in the visceral group, comparable with the nonvisceral and full cohort.

CONCLUSION

Consistent results for the association of intraoperative adverse events and patient outcomes render ClassIntra a valuable instrument in visceral surgery.

Short-term outcomes of intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis in robotic right colectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ileocolic anastomosis is performed via extracorporeal or intracorporeal techniques in robotic right hemicolectomy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the short-term outcomes of intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) and extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) for robotic right colectomy. The EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically (from inception until March 1, 2020) for randomized and non-randomized control trials reporting the short-term outcomes of IA and EA for robotic right colectomy. Five observational cohort studies involving 585 participants were included in our meta-analysis. Compared to the EA group, the IA group showed significantly longer operation time [weighted mean difference (WMD): 28.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 13.88-43.89, p = 0.0002], lower rate of anastomotic leak (odds ratio: 0.26, 95% CI 0.08-0.85, p = 0.03), and shorter time to first flatus (WMD: - 0.57, 95% CI - 0.95 to 0.19, p = 0.003). However, pooled results revealed no difference in blood loss, complications, wound infection, incisional hernia, length of incision, and hospital stay between the IA and EA groups (p < 0.05). This meta-analysis indicated that IA was superior to EA in terms of anastomotic leak and time to first flatus, but inferior in terms of operation time. Large-scale, multicenter, randomized studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a promising approach for the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis, but is associated with significant morbidity and prolonged hospital stay. Herein, we review the impact of Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on length of stay (LOS) and early complications in patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched for studies comparing ERAS protocol with control for CRS + HIPEC. Mean difference (MD) and risk ratios (RR) were calculated for LOS and complications respectively.

Results: Six retrospective studies were included. Meta-analysis indicated statistically significant reduction in LOS with ERAS (MD: −2.82 95% CI: −3.79, −1.85 I² = 29% p < 0.00001). Our results demonstrated significantly reduced risk of Calvien Dindo grade III/IV complications with the use of ERAS protocol as compared to the control group (RR: 0.60 95% CI: 0.41, 0.87 I² = 0% p = 0.007). Pooled analysis of limited studies demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the risk of reoperation (RR: 1.04 95% CI: 0.54, 2.03 I² = 50% p = 0.90) readmission (RR: 0.55 95% CI: 0.21, 1.49 I² = 0% p = 0.24), acute kidney injury (RR: 0.55 95% CI: 0.28, 1.10 I² = 0% p = 0.09) or mortality (RR: 0.62 95% CI: 0.17, 2.26 I² = 0% p = 0.46) between the study groups.

Conclusion: For CRS + HIPEC, ERAS is associated with significantly reduced LOS along with lower incidence of complications. Limited data suggest that use of ERAS protocol is not associated with increased readmission, reoperation, and mortality rates in these patients. There is a need for randomized controlled trials to corroborate the current evidence.

Consensus statement for perioperative care in lumbar spinal fusion: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society recommendations

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) evidence-based protocols for perioperative care have led to improvements in outcomes in numerous surgical areas, through multimodal optimization of patient pathway, reduction of complications, improved patient experience and reduction in the length of stay. ERAS represent a relatively new paradigm in spine surgery.

PURPOSE

This multidisciplinary consensus review summarizes the literature and proposes recommendations for the perioperative care of patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery with an ERAS program.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a review article.

METHODS

Under the impetus of the ERAS® society, a multidisciplinary guideline development group was constituted by bringing together international experts involved in the practice of ERAS and spine surgery. This group identified 22 ERAS items for lumbar fusion. A systematic search in the English language was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies were included, and the evidence was graded according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Consensus recommendation was reached by the group after a critical appraisal of the literature.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-six articles were included to develop the consensus statements for 22 ERAS items; one ERAS item (prehabilitation) was excluded from the final summary due to very poor quality and conflicting evidence in lumbar spinal fusion. From these remaining 21 ERAS items, 28 recommendations were included. All recommendations on ERAS protocol items are based on the best available evidence. These included nine preoperative, eleven intraoperative, and six postoperative recommendations. They span topics from preoperative patient education and nutritional evaluation, intraoperative anesthetic and surgical techniques, and postoperative multimodal analgesic strategies. The level of evidence for the use of each recommendation is presented.

CONCLUSION

Based on the best evidence available for each ERAS item within the multidisciplinary perioperative care pathways, the ERAS® Society presents this comprehensive consensus review for perioperative care in lumbar fusion.

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol to promote recovery following esophageal cancer resection

Esophageal cancer surgery, comprising esophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy, is a complex procedure associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol which aims to improve perioperative care, minimize complications, and accelerate recovery is showing promise for achieving better perioperative outcomes. ERAS is a multimodal approach that has been reported to shorten the length of hospital stay, reduce surgical stress response, decrease morbidity, and expedite recovery. While ERAS components straddle preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods, they need to be seen in continuum and not as isolated elements. In this review, we elaborate on the components of an ERAS protocol after esophagectomy including preoperative nutrition, prehabilitation, counselling, smoking and alcohol cessation, cardiopulmonary evaluation, surgical technique, anaesthetic management, intra- and postoperative fluid management and pain relief, mobilization and physiotherapy, enteral and oral feeding, removal of drains, and several other components. We also share our own institutional protocol for ERAS following esophageal resections.

Multicomponent hospital-led interventions to reduce hospital stay for older adults following elective surgery: a systematic review

Background

Elective older adult inpatient admissions are increasingly common. Older adults are at an elevated risk of adverse events in hospital, potentially increasing with lengthier hospital stay. Hospital-led organisational strategies may optimise hospital stay for elective older adult inpatients.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of hospital-led multicomponent interventions to reduce hospital stay for older adults undergoing elective hospital admissions.

Data sources

Seven bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE, Health Management Information Consortium, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database) were searched from inception to date of search (August 2017), alongside carrying out of web searches, citation searching, inspecting relevant reviews, consulting stakeholders and contacting authors. This search was duplicated, with an additional cost-filter, to identify cost-effectiveness evidence.

Review methods

Comparative studies were sought that evaluated the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of relevant interventions in elective inpatients with a mean or median age of ≥ 60 years. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were completed independently by two reviewers. The main outcome was length of stay, but all outcomes were considered. Studies were sorted by procedure, intervention and outcome categories. Where possible, standardised mean differences or odds ratios were calculated. Meta-analysis was performed when multiple randomised controlled trials had the same intervention, treatment procedure, comparator and outcome. Findings were explored using narrative synthesis.

Findings

A total of 218 articles were included, with 80 articles from 73 effectiveness studies (n = 26,365 patients) prioritised for synthesis, including 34 randomised controlled trials conducted outside the UK and 39 studies from the UK, of which 12 were randomised controlled trials. Fifteen studies included cost-effectiveness data. The evidence was dominated by enhanced recovery protocols and prehabilitation, implemented to improve recovery from either colorectal surgery or lower limb arthroplasty. Six other surgical categories and four other intervention types were identified. Meta-analysis found that enhanced recovery protocols were associated with 1.5 days’ reduction in hospital stay among patients undergoing colorectal surgery (Cohen’sd = –0.51, 95% confidence interval –0.78 to –0.24;p < 0.001) and with 5 days’ reduction among those undergoing upper abdominal surgery (Cohen’sd = –1.04, 95% confidence interval –1.55 to –0.53;p < 0.001). Evidence from the UK was not pooled (owing to mixed study designs), but it echoed findings from the international literature. Length of stay usually was reduced with intervention or was no different. Other clinical outcomes also improved or were no worse with intervention. Patient-reported outcomes were not frequently reported. Cost and cost-effectiveness evidence came from 15 highly heterogeneous studies and was less conclusive.

Limitations

Studies were usually of moderate or weak quality. Some intervention or treatment types were under-reported or absent. The reporting of variance data often precluded secondary analysis.

Conclusions

Enhanced recovery and prehabilitation interventions were associated with reduced hospital stay without detriment to other clinical outcomes, particularly for patients undergoing colorectal surgery, lower limb arthroplasty or upper abdominal surgery. The impacts on patient-reported outcomes, health-care costs or additional service use are not well known.

Future work

Further studies evaluating of the effectiveness of new enhanced recovery pathways are not required in colorectal surgery or lower limb arthroplasty. However, the applicability of these pathways to other procedures is uncertain. Future studies should evaluate the implementation of interventions to reduce service variation, in-hospital patient-reported outcomes, impacts on health and social care service use, and longer-term patient-reported outcomes.

Study registration

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017080637.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

The evolution of fast track protocols after oesophagectomy

Fast track is a standardised goal directed patient's care pathway that aims to facilitate recovery following surgery. Currently, there are large variations in the fast track protocols used in oesophagectomy due to the complexity of the procedure. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the evolution of fast track protocols following oesophagectomy since its implementation and the resulting effect on postoperative outcomes. Relevant electronic databases were searched for studies assessing the clinical outcome from fast track in oesophagectomy and also those assessing the effects of the individual key components in fast track protocols. The search yielded twenty-three publications regarding fast track implementation in oesophagectomy. A pattern of consistent evolution in fast-track protocols was clearly demonstrated and these have shown variations in the core-identified components across the studies. However, evolution in fast track protocols over time showed, an overall improvement in length of stay, anastomotic leak, pulmonary complications and mortality over time. Thirty publications were included that evaluated specific components of fast track protocols, with an increasing trend towards addressing the nutritional aspect in oesophagectomy care in more recent years. The variations in the key components of fast track protocol of care identify the need for continued assessment and identification for areas of improvement. In the future incremental gains through focused improvements in key components will lend itself to even better postoperative outcomes and patient experience during oesophageal cancer treatment.

A propensity score-matched comparison of intracorporeal and extracorporeal techniques for robotic-assisted right colectomy in an Enhanced Recovery Pathway

INTRODUCTION

There may be short-term outcomes advantages for the intracorporeal approach to minimally invasive right colectomy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective propensity score-matched comparison of intracorporeal and extracorporeal techniques for robotic-assisted right colectomy in an Enhanced Recovery colorectal surgery service.

RESULTS

55 intracorporeal and 55 extracorporeal cases were compared. Operative time was significantly longer (p < 0.001) and incision length shorter in the intracorporeal group (p = 0.007). Outcomes significantly favorable for the intracorporeal group included conversion-to-open (p = 0.013), time to first flatus (p < 0.001), time to first bowel movement (p = 0.006), and dehydration (p = 0.03). There were more extraction site hernias in the midline compared to off-midline locations, though this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

There are outcomes advantages for the intracorporeal technique for robotic-assisted right colectomy when compared to the extracorporeal approach for patients in an Enhanced Recovery Pathway. Training efforts should continue to advocate the intracorporeal option.

Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis for minimally invasive right colectomy: A multi-center propensity score-matched comparison of outcomes

Background

The primary objective of this study was to retrospectively compare short-term outcomes of intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis for minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted right colectomies for benign and malignant disease. Recent studies suggest potential short-term outcomes advantages for the intracorporeal anastomosis technique.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective propensity score-matched comparison of intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis techniques for laparoscopic and robotic-assisted right colectomy between January 11, 2010, and July 21, 2016.

Results

After propensity score-matching, there were a total of 1029 minimal invasive surgery cases for analysis—379 right colectomies (335 robotic-assisted and 44 laparoscopic) done with an intracorporeal anastomosis and 650 right colectomies (253 robotic-assisted and 397 laparoscopic) done with an extracorporeal anastomosis. There were no significant differences in any preoperative patient characteristics between groups. The minimally invasive intracorporeal anastomosis group had significantly longer operative times (p<0.0001), lower conversion to open rate (p = 0.01), shorter hospital length of stay (p = 0.02) and lower complication rate from after discharge to 30-days (p = 0.04) than the extracorporeal anastomosis group.

Conclusions

This comparison shows several clinical outcomes advantages for the intracorporeal anastomosis technique in minimally invasive right colectomy. These data may guide future refinements in minimally invasive training techniques and help surgeons choose among different minimally invasive options.

Liposomal Bupivacaine Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Versus Epidural Analgesia in a Colon and Rectal Surgery Enhanced Recovery Pathway: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Multimodal pain management is an integral part of enhanced recovery pathways. The most effective pain management strategies have not been determined.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare liposomal bupivacaine transversus abdominis plane block with epidural analgesia in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

DESIGN

This is a single-institution, open-label randomized (1:1) trial.

SETTING

This study compared liposomal bupivacaine transversus abdominis plane block with epidural analgesia in patients undergoing elective open and minimally invasive colorectal surgery in an enhanced recovery pathway.

PATIENTS

Two hundred were enrolled. Following randomization, allocation, and follow-up, there were 92 patients with transversus abdominis plane block and 87 patients with epidural analgesia available for analysis.

INTERVENTIONS

The interventions comprised liposomal bupivacaine transversus abdominis plane block versus epidural analgesia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes measured were numeric pain scores and the overall benefit of analgesia scores.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the Numeric Pain Scale and Overall Benefit of Analgesia Score between groups. Time trend analysis revealed that patients with transversus abdominis plane block had higher numeric pain scores on the day of surgery, but that the relationship was reversed later in the postoperative period. Opioid use was significantly less in the transversus abdominis plane block group (206.84 mg vs 98.29 mg, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in time to GI recovery, hospital length of stay, and postoperative complications. Cost was considerably more for the epidural analgesia group.

LIMITATIONS

This study was conducted at a single institution.

CONCLUSIONS

This randomized trial shows that perioperative pain management with liposomal bupivacaine transversus abdominis plane block is as effective as epidural analgesia and is associated with less opioid use and less cost. These data and the more favorable risk profile suggest that liposomal bupivacaine transversus abdominis plane block is a viable multimodal perioperative pain management option for this patient population in an established enhanced recovery pathway.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02591407). See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A737.

Enhanced Recovery Pathway in Microvascular Autologous Tissue-Based Breast Reconstruction: Should It Become the Standard of Care?

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery pathway programs have demonstrated improved perioperative care and shorter length of hospital stay in several surgical disciplines. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients undergoing autologous tissue-based breast reconstruction before and after the implementation of an enhanced recovery pathway program.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent autologous tissue-based breast reconstruction performed by two surgeons before and after the implementation of the enhanced recovery pathway at a university center over a 3-year period. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and 45-day postoperative outcomes were compared between the traditional standard of care (pre-enhanced recovery pathway) and enhanced recovery pathway patients. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for length of hospital stay. Cost analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Between April of 2014 and January of 2017, 100 consecutive women were identified, with 50 women in each group. Both groups had similar demographics, comorbidities, and reconstruction types. Postoperatively, the enhanced recovery pathway cohort used significantly less opiate and more acetaminophen compared with the traditional standard of care cohort. Median length of stay was shorter in the enhanced recovery pathway cohort, which resulted in an extrapolated $279,258 savings from freeing up inpatient beds and increase in overall contribution margins of $189,342. Participation in an enhanced recovery pathway program and lower total morphine-equivalent use were independent predictors for decreased length of hospital stay. Overall 45-day major complication rates, partial flap loss rates, emergency room visits, hospital readmissions, and unplanned reoperations were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced recovery pathway program implementation should be considered as the standard approach for perioperative care in autologous tissue-based breast reconstruction because it does not affect morbidity and is associated with accelerated recovery with reduced postoperative opiate use and decreased length of hospital stay, leading to downstream health care cost savings.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, III.

C-reactive protein as a marker of the surgical stress reduction within an ERAS protocol (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) in colorectal surgery: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol (ERAS) in relation to reduce the Systemic Inflammatory Response (SIR) to surgery using C-reactive protein (CRP) in the first (POD1), second (POD2) and third (POD3) postoperative day.

METHODS

We enrolled 121 patients (ERAS group) that underwent elective colorectal surgery with ERAS, and compared them with 135 patients (preERAS group) that had undergone surgery prior to the implementation. We made a univariate analysis to compare the CRP values in POD1, POD2, and POD3 between preERAS/ERAS group, laparoscopic/open surgery and the presence or not of Clavien Dindo complications. Multivariable lineal regression was used to assess if the ERAS had a decreasing effect on the CRP in POD1, POD2, and POD3, and was adjusted by age, male sex, use of laparoscopy, and complications.

RESULTS

The presence of complications was independently associated with an increase in CRP values ​​in POD1, POD2, and POD3. Laparoscopy in POD1 and POD2, and ERAS in POD2 was independently associated with a decrease in CRP values.

CONCLUSION

The analysis shows an increase in SIR measured as a CRP value in those patients that had complications. The SIR decreased with laparoscopy in POD1 and POD2 and with ERAS in POD2.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications Following Diverting Loop Ileostomy Takedown

INTRODUCTION

Diverting loop ileostomies are frequently created to divert the fecal stream in an effort to protect downstream anastomoses. These are later reversed to restore intestinal continuity. The goal of this study is to evaluate risk factors for postoperative complications following diverting loop ileostomy takedown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent diverting loop ileostomy takedown between January 1, 2010 and April 28, 2015 were identified in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative registry. Candidate covariates were identified and a hierarchical logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for postoperative complications.

RESULTS

1,737 patients met the inclusion criteria. Rates of postoperative complications were generally low. Mean length of stay (LOS) was 5.6 (± 4.5) days. Outcomes of interest were the following: overall morbidity, serious morbidity, extended LOS, SSI, UTI, pneumonia, readmission, reoperation, and mortality. Risk factors for these outcomes included the following: ASA class, bleeding disorder, prolonged operative time, race, tobacco use, gender, steroid use, peripheral vascular disease, weight loss, and functional status.

CONCLUSIONS

Diverting loop ileostomy takedown has a complication rate of approximately 20%. Higher ASA class, longer operative times, history of bleeding disorder, and functional status were identified as risk factors for most complications.

Factors predicting outcome from enhanced recovery programmes in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of published literature for the factors reported to predict outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND

ERAS programmes and the use of laparoscopy have been widely adopted in colorectal surgery bringing short-term patient benefit. However, there is a minority of patients that do not benefit from these strategies and their identification is not well characterised. The factors that underpin outcomes from ERAS programmes for laparoscopic patients are not understood.

METHODS

A systematic search of the MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases was conducted to identify suitable articles published between 2000 and 2015. The search strategy captured terms for ERAS, colorectal resection, prediction and outcome measures.

RESULTS

Thirty-four studies containing 10,861 laparoscopic resections were included. Thirty-one (91 %) studies were confined to elective cases. Predictive analysis of outcome was most frequently based on length of stay (LOS), morbidity and readmission which were the main outcome measures of 29 (85 %), 26 (76 %) and 18 (53 %) of the included studies, respectively. Forty-seven percentage of included studies investigated the impact of ERAS programme compliance on these outcomes. Reduced protocol compliance was the most frequently identified modifiable predictive factor for adverse LOS, morbidity and readmission.

CONCLUSION

Protocol compliance is the most frequently reported predictive factor for outcomes of ERAS programmes following laparoscopic colorectal resection. Reduced compliance increases LOS, morbidity and readmission to hospital. The impact of compliance with individual ERAS protocol elements is insufficiently studied, and the lack of a standardised framework for evaluating ERAS programmes makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions about which factors exert the greatest impact on outcome after laparoscopic colorectal resection.

Decreased length of stay and earlier oral feeding associated with standardized postoperative clinical care for total gastrectomies at a cancer center

BACKGROUND

Standardization of postoperative care has been shown to decrease postoperative length of stay.

METHODS

In June 2009, we standardized postoperative care for all gastrectomies at our institution. Four years' worth of total gastrectomies (2 years prior to standardization and 2 years after standardization) were reviewed to determine the effect of standardization on postoperative care, length of stay, complications, and readmissions.

RESULTS

Between June 2007 and July 2011, 99 patients underwent curative intent open total gastrectomy: 51 patients prior to standardization, and 48 patients poststandardization. Patients were predominantly male (70%); median age was 63; and median body mass index was 26. Standardization of postoperative care was associated with a decrease in median time to beginning both clear liquids and a postgastrectomy diet, earlier removal of epidural catheters, earlier use of oral pain medication, less time receiving intravenous fluids, and decreased length of stay (all P < .01). Groups showed no differences in complication rates, complication severity, diet intolerance, return to our Urgent Care Center, or readmission.

CONCLUSION

Institution of standardized postoperative orders for total gastrectomy was associated with a significantly decreased length of stay and earlier oral feeding without increasing postoperative complications, early postoperative outpatient visits, or readmissions.