Enhanced recovery after surgery: A clinical review of implementation across multiple surgical subspecialties

Effect of rapid rehabilitation surgical nursing on patients' gastrointestinal function recovery and sleep quality after laparoscopic appendectomy

BACKGROUND

Appendicitis is a common acute abdominal pain disorder. Laparoscopic appendectomy, a commonly used modality, is associated with less trauma and faster recovery than traditional open appendectomy. However, postoperative recovery remains an important issue that affects rehabilitation quality and surgical results.

AIM

To explore the effects of rapid rehabilitation and surgical nursing care on gastrointestinal function recovery and sleep quality among patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy.

METHODS

A total of 120 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at our hospital between January 2019 and March 2024 and for whom complete clinical data were available were selected. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 60 each) using the random number table method. The control group received routine nursing care, while the experimental group received rapid rehabilitation surgical nursing care; all patients continued to receive nursing care until discharge. The recovery of gastrointestinal function, length of hospital stay, complications, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, and nursing satisfaction were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Following the implementation of effective nursing measures, the times to bowel sound recovery, first exhaust, first defecation, and first feeding were notably shorter in the study vs control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the duration of the first postoperative activity and the length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the study vs control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the study group exhibited better sleep quality than the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative complication rate was significantly lower and the nursing satisfaction rate significantly higher in the study vs control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Rapid rehabilitation surgical nursing interventions provided to patients after laparoscopic appendectomy can accelerate their postoperative recovery, reduce the occurrence of complications, and improve their sleep quality and nursing satisfaction.

Improving Perioperative Care in Gastric Surgery: Insights from the EUropean PErioperative MEdical Networking (EUPEMEN) Project

Background/Objectives: Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and surgical resection represents the mainstay of treatment procedures. However, despite the advancements noted in the field of surgical oncology, perioperative complications and variability in the perioperative care provided persist. To address the challenges caused by non-standardized perioperative care for gastric surgery across European healthcare systems, the EUropean PErioperative MEdical Networking (EUPEMEN) protocol has been developed. The present study concisely provides the EUPEMEN protocol's development, implementation, and impact on perioperative management in gastric resections. Methods: The EUPEMEN protocol was developed through a multidisciplinary collaboration involving five academic healthcare professionals from four European countries. The main activities of the collaborative group included a literature review, consensus development, the creation of multimodal rehabilitation manuals, and the development of an online learning platform. The EUPEMEN project aims for the uniform adoption of evidence-based practices across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases, leading in nutritional, psychological, and physiological optimization. Results: The implementation of the EUPEMEN protocol aims to optimize perioperative outcomes, including reduced postoperative complications, a shorter length of hospitalization, and improved recovery trajectories. The above have been achieved through structured guidelines that ensure consistent care delivery across diverse healthcare settings and tools such as rehabilitation manuals and a free-access online educational platform. Conclusions: The EUPEMEN protocol represents a new standard for perioperative care in the field of gastric surgery that is based on multidisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based practices. While challenges such as resource constraints and variability in adherence remain, the protocol demonstrates significant potential to improve patient outcomes and streamline perioperative management. Future research should focus on long-term effects and adaptation challenges in the setting of non-European healthcare systems.

Impact of enhanced recovery after surgery concept process optimization on the perioperative period of gynecologic laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

To explore the impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) optimization concept process on the perioperative period of gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included patients who underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgery based on ERAS concept process optimization (ERAS group) for uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and ovarian cysts at Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2023 and December 2023. Patients who underwent the same laparoscopic protocol without ERAS concept process optimization between January 2022 and December 2022 were matched as the control group (non-ERAS group). Postoperative indexes and patient satisfaction were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients were included, with 60 of who underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgery (total laparoscopic hysterectomy, TLH: n = 20; laparoscopic myomectomy, LM: n = 20; laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy, LOC: n = 20) based on ERAS (ERAS group), and the other 60 of who underwent gynecologic laparoscopic surgery (TLH: n = 20, LM: n = 20, LOC: n = 20) without ERAS (non-ERAS). In patients received gynecologic laparoscopic surgery of ERAS group, the time of first postoperative gas evacuation, the time of semi-liquid recovery, the time of urination, the time of incision pain, and the length of hospital stay were significantly shorter (all P < 0.001), and the number of nausea and vomiting was significantly reduced (all P < 0.001) compared with those in the non-ERAS group. Besides, satisfaction of patients receiving ERAS was significantly higher than in the non-ERAS group (TLH: P < 0.01; LM and LOC: P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS optimization for gynecologic laparoscopic surgery improved patients' outcomes, reduced complications, and improved patient's satisfaction.

Factors predicting lower hospital stay after liver transplantation using a comprehensive enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol

INTRODUCTION

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols facilitate patient recovery without increasing complication rates. An ERAS protocol designed for our liver transplant (LT) patients obtained a median hospital length of stay (LOS) of 4 days. However, a proportion of patients do not achieve early discharge. This study aimed to identify factors that predict an LOS≤ 4 days.

METHODS

Identifying factors associated with LOS <4 days in our LT patients.

RESULTS

We performed 293 LTs (2012-2021), LOS≤4 days in 171 (58.4 %). The following factors emerged as statistically predictors of LOS≤4 days in the univariate analysis: male sex, HCC or HCV patients, lower MELD score, lower BAR score, no DCD patients, shorter operative time, no intraoperative transfusion, shorter ICU stay, no Clavien-Dindo complications grade ≥ III, no primary graft dysfunction, no acute rejection, no readmission at 30 days and no retransplantation were associated to LOS≤4 days. However, in the multivariate analysis, the only independent risk factor that predicted LOS≤4 days was the presence of hepatocarcinoma. DCD donors and higher MELD score were negative factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Applying ERAS programs in LT patients is beneficial, safe and extensible to all patients, but those with hepatocarcinoma obtain higher rates of LOS≤4 days.

To rest or not to rest after sacral colpopexy? Dispelling an old custom in the ERAS time

PURPOSE

Despite the advent of the ERAS Program, recovery after urogynecological surgery is still a highly debated topic in clinical practice. The majority of gynecologic surgeons, in fact, continue to advise patients to home rest and to avoid lifting heavy objects after surgery. The aim of the present study was to verify the impact of a moderate-high physical activity and recovery after surgery on anatomical results after LSC, with a 2-year follow-up (FU).

METHODS

Two hundred and one consecutive patients with pelvic prolapse were retrospectively selected from our database among women who underwent, from October 2019 to February 2022, a laparoscopic sacral colpopexy. Three-six and 24 months follow-up were studied. At 3 months, patients completed the IPAQ-SF Questionnaire to assess physical activity. According to IPAQ-SF, patients were divided in two arms: Low and Moderate-High activity level.

RESULTS

At 3 months follow-up, we obtained a high anatomic success rate in absences of statistical differences between populations, with a significative persistence of these results even at 6 and 24 months. No differences were found in terms of subjective success and vaginal mesh erosions at 3-6 months and 2-years follow-ups between patients despite differences in IPAQ-SF activity levels.

CONCLUSION

Our data highlight the need for urogynecologists, especially after LSC, to invest heavily in patient education and to shift away from the outdated concept of home rest after surgery.

Early Diet Liberalization After Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Improves Postoperative Recovery

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of diet liberalization on short-term outcomes in patients undergoing anterior interbody lumbar fusion (ALIF).

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for patients undergoing ALIF at our tertiary care center institution from 2010 to 2022. Electronic medical records were reviewed for demographics, surgical characteristics, and 90-day postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

We included 515 patients in this study with 102 patients receiving a full diet on the same day as their operation. All other patients had a delay of at least 1 day (average 1.6 days) until a full diet was provided. This group was found to have a higher rate of postoperative ileus (10.2% vs 2.9%) and urinary retention (16.0% vs 3.9%). The readmission rate and percent of patients presenting to the emergency department within 90 days postoperatively were similar. On multivariate regression analysis, same-day, full-diet patients had decreased odds of developing urinary retention (OR = .17) and a shorter length of hospital stay (Estimate: -.99). Immediate full diet had no impact on the development of ileus (OR: .33).

CONCLUSIONS

An immediate postoperative full diet following an anterior approach to the lumbar spine was not found to be associated with an increased risk of postoperative ileus in patients deemed appropriate for early diet liberalization. Moreover, an early full diet was found to reduce length of hospitalization and risk of postoperative urinary retention. Reconsideration of postoperative diet protocols may help optimize patient outcomes and recovery.

Decreased Postoperative Emesis and Opioid Use After Implementation of ERAS Protocol for Free Flap Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are designed to improve postoperative outcomes. In this study, we compare outcomes for patients undergoing head and neck free flap surgery at a quaternary care institution before and after an ERAS protocol was implemented.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Single quaternary care center.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of outcomes from patients who underwent head and neck surgery with free flap reconstruction prior to ERAS (January 2018 to May 2022, baseline) with patient outcomes after implementation (June 2022 to September 2023, ERAS). Outcomes studied included length of stay (LOS), opioid utilization, postoperative emesis, readmission, and mortality.

RESULTS

Patients in the ERAS group had significantly lower opioid utilization (206.84 ± 217 morphine milligram equivalent vs 415.53 ± 431, P < .01) and significantly lower rates of postoperative emesis (1.74% vs 28.27%, P < .01). This difference in emesis remained significant in the subgroup of patients who underwent total laryngectomy. The decreases in opioid use and emesis remained significant in multivariate analyses controlling for demographic factors and surgery type. We found no significant decrease in LOS or mortality.

CONCLUSION

In the year after implementing an ERAS protocol for head and neck free flap surgery, we found significantly lower opioid utilization and the unique finding of lower postoperative emesis overall, including in the laryngectomy subgroup for whom emesis-induced fistula is most impactful. No difference was noted in LOS or mortality. To our knowledge, this is the first study of an ERAS protocol for head and neck surgery to show a decrease in postoperative emesis.

Enhanced recovery after endoscopic sinus surgery: Establishing comprehensive protocols for improvement of perioperative patient care

Objectives

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) have not been widely implemented, and a critical review of ERAS recommendations and a comprehensive analysis of the supporting literature has not been undertaken. We describe an ESS ERAS protocol including key perioperative interventions for patients undergoing ESS and assess the available evidence.

Data Sources

A search was conducted of all relevant ERAS literature in otorhinolaryngology, anesthesia, and surgery using Medline (via PubMed), and Scopus. Keywords included "endoscopic sinus surgery," "sinus surgery," "FESS," and "ESS" for each area of intervention. Where applicable, the authors considered high-level evidence for recommendations devised for patient cohorts in otorhinolaryngology not undergoing ESS, as well as cohorts undergoing surgical procedures for which ERAS protocols have been extensively evaluated.

Methods

Studies received grades of "low," "moderate," or "high" quality evidence based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria. Each intervention was subsequently assigned a grade of "strong," "weak," or "conditional" based on the available evidence.

Results

Strong recommendations include comprehensive patient education and counseling, minimization of preoperative fasting, application of topical/local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors, use of total intravenous anesthesia, avoidance of pharyngeal packing, and use of postoperative nasal irrigation and multimodal analgesia. Conditional recommendations include antibiotic prophylaxis. Weak recommendations include perioperative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, controlled hypotension, and use of postoperative nasal packing/dressing.

Conclusion

A comprehensive ERAS protocol for ESS can include a variety of high yield, evidence-based interventions that would likely improve surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Enhanced Recovery With Aggressive Ambulation Decreases Length of Stay in Lung Cancer Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Thoracic Enhanced Recovery with Ambulation after Surgery (T-ERAS) protocol at our institution includes ambulation into the operating room and 250-feet ambulation within 1 hour of extubation. We compared the average length of stay (LOS) between T-ERAS patients and that predicted using a validated surgical risk calculator.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing lung cancer resection with minimally invasive approach from 2012 to 2022. Patients aged ≥ 18 were included if early ambulation was documented. Patient information were entered into the American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Risk Calculator (NSQIP) to obtain the predicted LOS. Descriptive statistics, comparisons of observed versus predicted LOS (O/P ratio), and nonparametric testing were conducted.

RESULTS

Of 940 patients reviewed, 886 met eligibility. For the study cohort, average age was 68, and 514 (58.0%) were female. By procedure, there were 631(71.2%) lobectomy, 204 (23.0%) wedge, 26 (2.9%) segmentectomy, 20 (2.3%) bilobectomy, and 5 (0.6%) pneumonectomy. The average LOS observed for the entire cohort was 1.2 days (median 1.0 day) compared to the predicted LOS of 3.4 days with the NSQIP (median 4.0). Overall, 842 (95%) of patients had LOS better than predicted (O/P ratio < 1), 19 (2.1%) had LOS as predicted (O/P ratio = 1), and 25 (2.8%) had LOS longer than predicted (O/P ratio > 1). The mean O/P ratio was 0.34.

CONCLUSION

Average LOS with T-ERAS protocol was 1.2 days compared to the predicted average of 3.6 days in patients undergoing minimally invasive lung cancer resections. Our study provides a potential protocol to shorten the LOS beyond what is predicted by NSQIP.

Implementation and outcomes of an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in East and Central Africa: A prospective non-randomized controlled trial in Rwanda's Tertiary Teaching Hospital

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have demonstrated efficacy in optimizing perioperative care and improving patient outcomes in various surgeries. However, their implementation and outcomes in resource-limited settings remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess the implementation of an ERAS protocol for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in such a setting.

METHODS

This prospective non-randomized controlled trial involved 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda. The first 50 patients on the ERAS pathway were prospectively evaluated and retrospectively compared to the last 50 patients operated on before ERAS implementation. Data on demographics, preoperative information, intraoperative compliance, postoperative events, and patient feedback were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

ERAS implementation resulted in a significant reduction in hospital length of stay (LOS) (p < 0.001) without increase in complications. Compliance with ERAS principles, including preoperative education and perioperative management, was more than 90%. ERAS also reduced costs due to quicker recovery and shorter hospital LOS.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of ERAS for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a limited-resource setting is feasible and safe, suggesting the possibility of its potential adoption in other abdominal procedures. A high level of adherence to the ERAS pathway can be achieved with effective patient education and the dedication of healthcare providers.

Enhanced recovery after minimally invasive pneumonectomies in children

PURPOSE

The study aimed to explore the feasibility and effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in the recovery of children who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary resection.

METHODS

From January 2015 to December 2021, consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary resection were divided into group A and group B. All of them were treated with the same perioperative protocols except for group A with perioperative lung rehabilitation management, while group B was not. Demographics, operative data, postoperative complications and clinical outcomes were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

Sixty eight cases enrolled with 33 in group A and 35 in group B. Demographic data was comparable between the two groups, as well as the dose of tramadol and diclofenac sodium. Few patients in group A had temperature higher than 38℃ in the first 3 days after the surgery. The mean time of the first ambulation after the operation was shorter in group A than that in group B. The drainage time and the postoperative hospital stay were similar. No interventions needed for complications.

CONCLUSION

The application of perioperative PR in children who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary resection is safe and feasible.

Opioid-Sparing Anesthesia Versus Opioid-Free Anesthesia for the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients who undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery (LBS) are susceptible to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) or opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA) protocols have been proposed as solutions; however, differences between the 2 alternative opioid protocols for anesthesia maintenance in obese patients remain uncertain. A network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the impacts of OFA and OSA on PONV.

METHODS

Systematic searches were conducted using Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing OFA and OSA strategies. After screening according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the credibility of the evidence. The main concern of this review was the difference between OFA and OSA in reducing PONV. The primary outcome was any PONV occurrence within 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain intensity, opioid consumption, opioid-related adverse events, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs involving 1310 patients were identified for a network meta-analysis from 1776 articles that compared OFA, OSA, and traditional opioid-based anesthesia (OBA) strategies in LBS. Twelve RCTs (80%) with 922 participants (70%) were eligible for the occurrence of PONV. These included 199 (22%) patients who received OFA and 476 (52%) and 247 (27%) patients who received OSA and OBA, respectively. OFA was more effective at reducing PONV (relative risks [RR], 0.6, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.9, moderate-quality evidence) compared to OSA. No differences were observed in postoperative pain control or opioid consumption between the OFA and OSA strategies (very low-to high-quality evidence). Notably, OFA is associated with a higher risk of bradycardia than OSA (RR, 2.6, 95% CI, 1.2-5.9, moderate-quality evidence).

CONCLUSIONS

OFA is more effective than OSA in reducing the occurrence of PONV during the early postoperative period of LBS, although it may associate with an increased risk of bradycardia. Patients who received either opioid-alternative strategy demonstrated similar effects in reducing postoperative opioid consumption and alleviating pain intensity.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in stoma reversal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Stoma reversal surgery is known for relatively high complication rates. While Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are extensively validated for colorectal surgery, their use in stoma reversal remains underexplored. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates clinical outcomes of stoma reversal surgery under ERAS protocols compared to standard care (SC) practices. Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for studies that compared clinical outcomes of stoma reversal surgery under ERAS protocols versus SC practices. The endpoints of interest were length of stay (LOS), ileus, wound infection, anastomotic leak, time to first stool, overall, minor, and major postoperative complications, readmission rates, and reoperation rates. Mean difference (MD) was calculated for continuous variables and Odds Ratio (OR) for dichotomous variables. Statistical analysis was performed with R version 4.4.0. We included eight studies comprising 1322 patients. Among these, 603 (45.6%) followed an ERAS protocol, while 719 (54.4%) received SC practices. ERAS was associated with a significant decrease in LOS (MD -1.83; 95% CI -2.55 to -1.12; p < 0.01), wound infection (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.97; p = 0.041), and time to first stool (MD -1.02; 95% CI -1.22 to -0.81; p < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was observed regarding ileus, anastomotic leak, overall, minor, and major postoperative complications, readmission rates, or reoperation rates. The implementation of ERAS protocols in stoma reversal procedures should be considered, as it was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay without increasing morbidity, and may even reduce complications such as wound infections.

Slow Down Fluids to Speed Up the Intestine - Exploring Postoperative Ileus in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative ileus is a known complication of gastrointestinal (GI) surgery. In adult populations, ileus is associated with higher amounts of intraoperative intravenous (IV) fluids. This study examines the relationship between intraoperative IV fluids and postoperative ileus in pediatric patients undergoing GI surgery.

METHODS

The cohort, part of an 18-center prospective trial of the implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol, consists of patients (ages 10-18 years) undergoing non-emergent GI surgery. Statistical analysis compared patients with and without postoperative ileus within 30 days of surgery, stratified by receipt of intraoperative IV fluids.

RESULTS

Of 553 patients, 39 (7 %) had postoperative ileus. Patients with ileus received a higher mean amount (1453 ± 1219.7 mL vs. 1180 ± 838.7 mL, p = 0.02) of intraoperative IV crystalloid fluid and at a higher rate (9.2 mL/kg/h vs. 7.4 mL/kg/h, p = 0.03) compared to those who did not. Only 4 % of patients receiving less than 5 mL/kg/h had ileus, 6.3 % if receiving 6 mL/kg/h to 10 mL/kg/h, and 13.6 % if receiving >10 mL/kg/h. Patients with ileus had a longer length of stay compared to those who did not (11.3 ± 10.7 days, vs. 4.9 ± 6.2 days, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in reason for surgery, type of surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, preoperative opioid use, operative technique, or type of anastomosis.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative ileus in pediatric patients undergoing GI surgery is associated with higher amounts and rates of intraoperative IV fluids. Limiting intraoperative fluids is a key target for enhanced recovery protocols in children.

Prolonged post-operative hydrocodone usage due to psychotropic drug interaction

OBJECTIVES

To explore pain outcomes in patients prescribed hydrocodone and psychotropic medications with or without CYP2D6 inhibition activity.

METHODS

Patients hospitalized for lower/limited upper extremity injuries who were prescribed hydrocodone alongside a psychotropic medication were considered for this study (n=224). A subset of these patients (n=178) was prescribed a psychotropic medication known to inhibit CYP2D6, while the remainder (n=46) were prescribed psychotropic medications without CYP2D6 inhibition activity. Patient demographics and pain outcomes were collected by electronic health record review and interviews.

RESULTS

Patients taking a psychotropic inhibitor of CYP2D6 exhibited longer duration of opioid use post-discharge (median 33 days [IQR 10-99]) compared with patients taking a psychotropic non-inhibitor (4 days [2-20], p<0.001). No significant differences were observed with in-hospital pain outcomes, including total dose of hydrocodone administered, duration of hydrocodone use, pain index scores, and the occurrence of common mild/moderate/severe hydrocodone side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients prescribed at least one psychotropic inhibitor of CYP2D6 were more likely to continue using hydrocodone for up to 3 months following surgery. Knowledge of these critical drug-drug interactions could enhance clinical practice and improve patient outcomes. This study highlights negative post-operative pain outcomes in patients prescribed hydrocodone alongside a psychotropic inhibitor of CYP2D6. The results of this study indicate that patients taking psychotropic medications that inhibit CYP2D6 are at increased risk for prolonged hydrocodone use following orthopedic surgery.

A causal model for predicting the impact of pharmacotherapy on colorectal surgery outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Evidence-based principles in enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) demonstrate substantial improvement in patient outcomes. Determining which latent variables predict composite outcomes could refine ERP pharmacotherapy recommendations.

METHODS

Using R, pharmacotherapy data were modeled from an existing dataset of adult elective colorectal surgery patients. Primary composite outcome was absence of surgical site infection, venous thromboembolism, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and other in-hospital postoperative complications (POCs). Secondary composite outcome included no postdischarge POCs, hospital length of stay ≤3 days, and no readmission at 7- or 30-days.

RESULTS

Variables with greater odds of predicting both positive primary and secondary composite outcomes included prehospital oral iron and oral antibiotic use, postoperative sugammadex and neostigmine use, postoperative morphine milligram equivalents (MME) ≤ 50, and IV fluid stop by postoperative day 2. Preoperative scopolamine patch (OR = 0.29 and CI = -0.19-0.77) and perioperative gabapentin (OR = 0.46 and CI = 0.06-0.83) had lesser odds for both primary and secondary composite outcomes. Ketamine nonanesthetic bolus, ondansetron IV use, and in-hospital enoxaparin use had paradoxical lesser primary but greater odds for secondary composite outcomes. Prehospital oral laxative use (OR = 0.61 and CI = 0.18-1.04) and postoperative dual IV antibiotics (OR = 0.52 and CI = 0.10-0.94) had lesser odds for primary, but not secondary, outcome.

CONCLUSION

To improve the odds for positive composite outcomes, oral iron and antibiotics, sugammadex and neostigmine, lower MME, and early IV fluid cessation could be considered essential core items, whereas postoperative dual IV antibiotics and epidural anesthesia might be avoided. Additional research needs to clarify the impacts of in-hospital enoxaparin, ketamine nonanesthetic bolus, and ondansetron use on composite patient outcomes.

Evaluating the Impact of Preoperative Nutritional Status on Surgical Outcomes and Public Health Implications in General Surgery Patients

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is linked to more postoperative problems, a longer recovery period, and a higher death rate; preoperative nutritional condition is a critical factor in surgical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative nutritional status on surgical outcomes in general surgery patients and explore its broader public health implications.

METHODOLOGY

A two-year observational research with 440 adult patients undergoing general surgery was carried out between January 2022 and December 2023. Based on preoperative nutritional tests, such as Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002), Body Mass Index (BMI), and blood albumin levels, participants were divided into two groups: nutritionally sufficient and nutritionally compromised. Postoperative problems, such as infections, wound healing, duration of hospital stay, readmissions, and 30-day mortality, were examined in the data.

RESULTS

Nutritionally compromised patients exhibited significantly worse outcomes, including higher rates of postoperative infections (80 out of 220, 36.36% vs. 30 out of 220, 13.64%), delayed wound healing (50 out of 220, 22.73% vs. 20 out of 220, 9.09%), longer hospital stays (9.87 ± 3.58 vs. 6.53 ± 2.31 days), increased readmission rates (40 out of 220, 18.18% vs. 10 out of 220, 4.55%), and higher 30-day mortality (25 out of 220, 11.36% vs. 5 out of 220, 2.27%) compared to the nutritionally adequate group. Long-term follow-up showed persistent differences in infection rates and wound healing, supporting the prolonged impact of poor nutritional status.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative malnutrition significantly affects surgical outcomes, emphasizing the importance of nutritional optimization in preoperative care to enhance recovery and minimize complications.

An interdisciplinary multicentre study on the use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol in colorectal surgery from Turkiye

BACKGROUND

This study aims to determine the use of surgical nurses, general surgeons, and anaesthesiologists regarding the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol in colorectal surgery and the barriers to its implementation.

METHOD

This descriptive study was conducted with three different professionals (surgical nurses, surgeons, anaesthesiologists) in four different hospitals and 268 healthcare professionals who voluntarily participated in the study and had written consent were included in the research sample. Data were collected between March 2020-July 2021 via Personal Information Form and Evaluation Form of ERAS Protocol in Colorectal Surgery.

RESULTS

In the study, 57.8 % were nurses, 15.7 % were general surgeons and 26.5 % were anaesthesiologists. It was observed that 73.1 % of the participants hadn't heard of the ERAS Protocol before, and eight participants who answered the application of the ERAS Protocol steps in colorectal surgery in their clinics answered as "Yes". It was determined that very few of the participants correctly knew and/or implemented the recommendations of the ERAS protocol (preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative stages) in colorectal surgery. In addition, the participants reported the obstacles to the implementation of protocol steps as the lack of knowledge (18.1 %), the problems caused by the multidisciplinary work (16.6 %), the resistance to change (12.4 %), and the lack of institutional support (11.4 %).

CONCLUSION

It has been determined that the ERAS Protocol in colorectal surgery is not known enough by health professionals, information and opinions are not compatible with the protocol recommendations, and the barriers to implementation are multifactorial.

Current perioperative care in patients undergoing a beyond total mesorectal excision procedure for rectal cancer: What are the differences with the colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery protocol?

AIM

Patients requiring a beyond total mesorectal excision (bTME) procedure for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) and locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) will probably benefit from enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. However, implementation of ERAS protocols in such groups of patients is considered challenging. The aims of this study were to evaluate ERAS-related outcomes of patients with LARC or LRRC undergoing bTME and to investigate the possibility of designing a tailored ERAS protocol.

METHOD

This study was divided into four phases. Phase one consisted of a literature study to compare functional recovery and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing bTME. In phase two, outcomes on ERAS care elements in bTME were retrospectively evaluated. In phase three, differences in ERAS-related outcomes and compliance of the colorectal ERAS protocol in patients who had undergone bTME were studied. In phase four, multidisciplinary team meetings were held to develop an ERAS protocol for bTME patients.

RESULTS

Seven studies reported on ERAS-related outcomes in patients undergoing bTME. Median length of hospital stay was 9-19 days, median stay in the intensive care unit was 2-4 days and 30-day postoperative major complication rates were 22.6%-61.3%. Seventy-five bTME patients were included for retrospective analysis. In these patients, length of stay was 9.0 days and major postoperative complications were observed in 40.0%. The overall ERAS compliance was 44.4%. Compared with the colorectal ERAS protocol, the largest differences in management were observed in the use of epidural anaesthesia, the postoperative use of urethral catheters, oral intake and mobilization.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing bTME for LARC or LRRC are substantially different from patients treated with the colorectal ERAS protocol, regarding ERAS-related outcomes. A tailored, multimodal ERAS protocol with specific modifications was developed by an expert multidisciplinary team for patients undergoing bTME for LARC or LRRC.

Thematic analysis of patient perspectives in a randomized controlled trial for a remote perioperative telemonitoring program

BACKGROUND

Remote patient telemonitoring programs offer the potential to enhance access and communication with medical providers. This study assessed the patient-reported experience during perioperative telemonitoring for gastrointestinal (GI) oncologic surgery.

METHODS

Between October 2021 and July 2023, patients with GI cancer were enrolled in the remote telemonitoring trial and randomized into the intervention or enhanced usual care arm. Although the enhanced usual care arm adhered to standard protocols for problem reporting, the intervention arm received active nursing support for monitoring data deviations from predetermined thresholds. The program culminated in a 15-minute exit interview comprised 9 total questions to gather insights into the patient experiences with device usage, symptom reporting, and communication with the healthcare team. Thematic analysis was conducted on all responses to present a patient-centric summary.

RESULTS

Of the 114 patients completing the study, 100 patients (88%) participated in the exit interview. Most enrolled patients (n = 68) were diagnosed as having colorectal cancer. The intervention arm reported greater ease and accessibility in electronic data reporting and communication with healthcare team compared to the enhanced usual care arm (94% vs 69%). Qualitative analysis identified 3 themes used to describe the program: "instilling an affirmative and proactive mindset toward recovery," "receiving timely attention from healthcare team," and "benefits of device usage and electronic health surveys." The subthemes highlighted an appreciative and empowering mindset among most patients.

CONCLUSION

Most enrolled patients expressed satisfaction with the program to facilitate their postoperative recovery. These positive testimonials present a promising outlook for future implementation from the patient perspective.

Reducing Opioid Consumption and Length of Stay After Bariatric Surgery: A Nonpharmacologic ERAS Intervention Bundle

PURPOSE

To reduce opioid consumption and decrease length of stay (LOS) in bariatric surgical patients by implementing an evidence-based, nonpharmacologic enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) intervention bundle.

DESIGN

Evidence-based practice project.

METHODS

We developed and implemented a nonpharmacologic ERAS bundle from existing American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses Standards and bariatric and subspecialty surgical ERAS protocols to standardize the postoperative nursing care of bariatric patients. The bundle consisted of early ambulation, immediate initiation and prolonged use of oxygenation, prevention of nausea and vomiting, frequent use of incentive spirometry, and application of ice packs to surgical sites. The two project outcomes were opioid consumption and patient LOS. We used descriptive statistics to summarize opioid consumption and LOS among surgical bariatric patients at baseline and post intervention and independent samples t tests to determine the statistical significance of pre- or post-LOS changes.

FINDINGS

After implementing the ERAS bundle in 31 bariatric surgical patients, we found that the percentage of patients given an opioid substantially decreased by 13.8%, with both fentanyl and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) consumption meaningfully decreasing by 11.0% and 25.6%, respectively. The average LOS significantly decreased (P = .015) by 23 minutes per patient following the intervention, from 1 hour and 58 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes, representing a 19.5% reduction in total patient time in the PACU.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a nonpharmacologic ERAS bundle and standardizing postoperative care decreased overall PACU bariatric surgical patient opioid consumption and significantly reduced PACU LOS. Optimizing pain management for bariatric patients in the PACU could lead to improved pain control and reduced reliance on opioids during their entire hospital stay, enhancing health care outcomes and improving patient safety. Perioperative leaders and educators can use our example to develop initiatives that decrease opioid use and LOS to improve care for the high-acuity bariatric patient population.

American society for metabolic and bariatric surgery: intra-operative care pathway for minimally invasive Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

BACKGROUND

Clinical care pathways help guide and provide structure to clinicians and providers to improve healthcare delivery and quality. The Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee (QIPS) of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) has previously published care pathways for the performance of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and pre-operative care of patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB).

OBJECTIVE

This current RYGB care pathway was created to address intraoperative care, defined as care occurring on the day of surgery from the preoperative holding area, through the operating room, and into the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

METHODS

PubMed queries were performed from January 2001 to December 2019 and reviewed according to Level of Evidence regarding specific key questions developed by the committee.

RESULTS

Evidence-based recommendations are made for care of patients undergoing RYGB including the pre-operative holding area, intra-operative management and performance of RYGB, and concurrent procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

This document may provide guidance based on recent evidence to bariatric surgeons and providers for the intra-operative care for minimally invasive RYGB.

Rigid Sternal Fixation and Enhanced Recovery for Opioid-Free Analgesia After Cardiac Surgery

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the individual contributions of rigid-plate fixation (RPF) and an enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) on postoperative pain, opioid use, and other outcomes after median sternotomy as they were sequentially adopted into practice.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective, case-cohort study compared outcomes between median sternotomy patients (all comers) who underwent operation before implementation of RPF or ERP ("controls"), patients closed with RPF before ERP implementation ("RPF-only"), and patients managed with RPF and ERP during early "RPF+ERP-2020" and late "RPF+ERP-2022" implementation.

RESULTS

The analysis included 608 median sternotomy patients (mean age, 65.7 ± 10.8 years; 29.6% women). Of those, 59.2% were isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, 7.7% were isolated valve procedures, and the rest were mixed/concomitant procedures. Median in-hospital, postoperative opioid administration was 172.5 morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) in the control cohort vs 0 MMEs for RPF+ERP-2022 (P < .0001), despite similar or slightly reduced patient-reported pain scores. The proportion of patients discharged directly to home was 66.2% for controls, 79.6% for RPF-only (P = .010), and 93.5% for RPF+ERP-2022 (P < .0001). Median opioids prescribed at discharge were 600 MMEs for controls and 0 for RPF+ERP-2020 and RPF+ERP-2022 (P < .0001). At discharge, 86.7% of RPF-only patients received prescription opioids vs 5% in RPF+ERP-2020 and 4.3% RPF+ERP-2022 (P < .0001). These outcomes occurred without increased readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic implementation of RPF and ERP was associated with a significant and clinically meaningful decrease in opioid use in this large, real-world patient population.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards enhanced recovery after surgery among patients underwent thoracoscopy surgery

OBJECTIVE

Thoracoscopy has gained extensive utilization in managing pleural disorders, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) can improve patients' prognosis and expedite post-surgical recovery. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards ERAS among patients underwent thoracoscopy surgery.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and August 2023, among patients underwent thoracoscopy surgery in 6 Secondary or Tertiary hospitals in the author's area. Demographic characteristics and KAP scores were collected by questionnaires, and clinical data were extracted from medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 309 valid questionnaires were collected, with 165 (53.40%) males and 202 (65.37%) aged ≤65 years old. The mean scores for KAP were 28.92±7.21 (possible range: 9-45), 53.60±6.73 (possible range: 13-65), and 43.45±5.50 (possible range: 10-50), respectively. SEM confirmed the positive associations between knowledge and attitude (β = 0.108, P = 0.019), knowledge and practice (β = 0.096, P = 0.004), and attitude and practice (β = 0.438, P<0.001). However, the KAP were found not associated with prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Patients underwent thoracoscopy surgery showed moderate knowledge, positive attitude, and appropriate practice towards ERAS. Preoperative education, personalized counseling, peer support groups, peer support groups, and follow-up care were recommended in further clinical practice.

Ready to Go Home? Nurses' Perspectives of Prolonged Admission for Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Denmark

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs with median postoperative hospitalization of 2 days improve outcomes after lung cancer surgery. This article explores nursing care practices for patients with lung cancer who remain hospitalized despite having recovered somatically. Qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with 16 nurses. Ricoeur's phenomenological hermeneutics underpins the methodology applied in this study, and we relied on Benner and Wrubel's theory. The nurses emphasized that the thoughts of patients with a recent lung cancer diagnosis revolve around more than the surgery. Nursing comprises not only practicalities but also attending to patients' stress and their coping with being struck with lung cancer and having undergone surgery. A counterculture emerged to counteract the logic of productivity, indicating that caring as a worthy end in itself may be underestimated in protocol-driven care. Prolonging hospitalization largely depends on clinical judgment. The nurses' aim is not to keep patients in the hospital but to avoid any needless suffering, allowing them to reclaim the primacy of caring.

Decision-Making in Pleural Drainage Following Lung Resection in Children: A Western Pediatric Surgery Research Consortium Survey

INTRODUCTION

Studies of adults undergoing lung resection indicated that selective omission of pleural drains is safe and advantageous. Significant practice variation exists for pleural drainage practices for children undergoing lung resection. We surveyed pediatric surgeons in a 10-hospital research consortium to understand decision-making for placement of pleural drains following lung resection in children.

METHODS

Faculty surgeons at the 10 member institutions of the Western Pediatric Surgery Research Consortium completed questionnaires using a REDCap survey platform. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to characterize responses regarding indications and management of pleural drains following lung resection in pediatric patients.

RESULTS

We received 96 responses from 109 surgeons (88 %). Most surgeons agreed that use of a pleural drain after lung resection contributes to post-operative pain, increases narcotic use, and prolongs hospitalization. Opinions varied around the immediate use of suction compared to water seal, and half routinely completed a water seal trial prior to drain removal. Surgeons who completed fellowship within the past 10 years left a pleural drain after wedge resection in 45 % of cases versus 78 % in those who completed fellowship more than 10 years ago (p = 0.001). The mean acceptable rate of unplanned post-operative pleural drain placement when pleural drainage was omitted at index operation was 6.3 % (±4.6 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Most pediatric surgeons use pleural drainage following lung resection, with recent fellowship graduates more often omitting it. Future studies of pleural drain omission demonstrating low rates of unplanned postoperative pleural drain placement may motivate practice changes for children undergoing lung resection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

V.

Applying enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in a patient with a giant spleen: a case report

Although splenomegaly is a common finding in several diseases, massive splenomegaly is rare. Patients with massive splenomegaly often present with a complex clinical picture. This case report describes a 72-year-old female with a complex medical history. Fifteen years ago, she was diagnosed with primary myelofibrosis, which subsequently led to progressive abdominal enlargement and bloating over the past 5 years. Recently, she developed edema in her limbs, accompanied by dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. A massive splenomegaly was discovered during her hospitalization. Additionally, the patient has a history of Crohn's disease, gout, renal insufficiency, and hypertension. Laboratory results reveal severe anemia and thrombocytopenia. Abdominal CT scans confirm the enlarged spleen and show ascites. She was treated by a multidisciplinary team comprising several departments. Even after a period of comprehensive treatment, the symptoms of massive splenomegaly did not significantly improve. Thus, the patient underwent an open surgical excision of the giant spleen. The weight of the giant spleen was 5.0 kg. During the perioperative period, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols were applied to facilitate recovery. Her recovery was uneventful, and she was able to resume her regular daily routine shortly after the procedure. This report presented a complex and rare case of massive splenomegaly, and underscored that a proper medical and nursing care is the key to better recovery.

Implementation of cardiac enhanced recovery after surgery at Lausanne University Hospital, our roadbook to certification

OBJECTIVES

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary, patient-centred approach aimed at expediting recovery, improving clinical outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. Initially developed for colorectal surgery, ERAS principles have been successfully applied across various surgical specialties, including cardiac surgery. This study outlines the implementation and certification process of the ERAS program in a tertiary cardiac surgical centre within the Heart-Vessel Department at Lausanne University Hospital.

METHODS

The implementation involved forming a multidisciplinary team, including cardiac surgeons, anaesthesiologists, intensivists, a cardiologist, clinical nurse specialists and physiotherapists. The ERAS nurse coordinator played a central role in organizing meetings, promoting the program, developing protocols, and collecting data. The certification process required adherence to ERAS guidelines, structured training and external evaluation. Key phases included pre-ERAS data collection, protocol dissemination, inclusion of the 1st patients, followed by analysis and full implementation.

RESULTS

Achieving certification required maintaining a compliance rate of over 70% with established protocols. The process involved overcoming various barriers, such as inconsistent practices and the need for multidisciplinary collaboration. In this paper, we provide some solutions to these challenges, including team education, regular meetings and continuous feedback loops. Preliminary data from the initial cohort showed improvements in early mobilization, opioid use, respiratory complications and shorter hospital stays.

CONCLUSIONS

The successful implementation of the ERAS program at our institution demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of a structured, multidisciplinary approach in cardiac surgery. Continuous self-assessment and adherence to guidelines are essential for sustained improvement in patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.

Roadmap for integrating the AACN essentials with perioperative nursing

Faculty members teaching in pre-licensure nursing programs are entrusted with revising nursing education to meet the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. Colleges of nursing faculty experience difficulty establishing enough clinical sites as healthcare facilities continue to overcome staffing challenges since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perioperative nursing is an underutilized area despite the potential for students to attain valuable nursing competencies and experiences in perioperative areas. An opportunity exists for faculty, regardless of having perioperative nursing experience or not, to use perioperative environments for clinical experiences in didactic and simulation courses. Our aim is to provide a roadmap for nursing faculty to include perioperative nursing in the pre-licensure nursing curriculum. Perioperative education exemplars aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education domains are included for adoption in any college of nursing.

The Outcome of Early Oral Feeding Following Elective Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background Early oral feeding (EOF) after gastrointestinal (GI) surgery is an optimistic way to speed up recovery and shorten hospital stays, but its full effects remain unexplored. Aim This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of EOF in patients having elective gastrointestinal surgery. Methods This open-level, prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Surgery at Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, from March 2022 to February 2023. A total of 50 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: early oral feeding (EOF) and traditional postoperative oral feeding (TOF), both before and after 48 hours of surgery, using a systematic random sampling technique. Informed written consent was taken from the patients. The patients were monitored on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 28 following surgeries. Postoperative complications, the duration for nasogastric tube (NGT) removal (days), the early recovery of bowel motility, and the length of the hospital stay (days) were noted. Results In this study, both EOF and TOF groups were found indifferent in terms of age distribution, gender ratio, or body mass index (BMI). However, significant differences emerged in postoperative outcomes. The TOF group experienced a significantly longer duration for nasogastric tube (NGT) removal and the initiation of oral feeding compared to the EOF group (P-value < 0.001). Complication rates, including nausea, vomiting, ileus, anastomotic leakage, wound infection, and pneumonia, did not exhibit statistically significant differences between the groups (P-value > 0.05). Moreover, the EOF group demonstrated an early recovery of bowel motility after surgery and shorter hospital stays compared to the TOF group (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion Starting oral feeding earlier does not increase complications. However, it does speed up recovery and shorten hospital stays.

The impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on opioid consumption and postoperative pain levels in elective spine surgery

OBJECTIVE

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols were developed to counteract the adverse effects of the surgical stress response, aiming for quicker postoperative recovery. Initially applied in abdominal surgeries, ERAS principles have extended to orthopedic spine surgery, but research in this area is still in its infancy. The current study investigated the impact of ERAS on postoperative pain and opioid consumption in elective spine surgeries.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study of patients undergoing elective spine surgery from May 2019 to July 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups: those enrolled in the ERAS pathway and those adhering to traditional surgical protocols. Data on demographics, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), while opioid utilization was quantified in morphine milligram equivalents (MME). NRS and MME were averaged for each patient across all days under observation. Differences in outcomes between groups (ERAS vs. treatment as usual) were tested using the Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables and Pearson's or Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables.

RESULTS

The median of patient's mean daily NRS scores for postoperative pain were not statistically significantly different between groups (median = 5.55 (ERAS) and 5.28 (non-ERAS), p=.2). Additionally, the median of patients' mean daily levels of MME were similar between groups (median = 17.24 (ERAS) and 16.44 (non-ERAS), p=.3) ERAS patients experienced notably shorter LOS (median=2 days) than their non-ERAS counterparts (median=3 days, p=.001). The effect of ERAS was moderated by whether the patient had ACDF surgery. ERAS (vs. non-ERAS) patients who had ACDF surgery had 1.64 lower average NRS (p=.006). ERAS (vs. non-ERAS) patients who had a different surgery had 0.72 higher average NRS (p=.02) but had almost half the length of stay, on average (p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study underscores the dynamic nature of ERAS protocols within the realm of spine surgery. While ERAS demonstrates advantages such as reduced LOS and improved patient-reported outcomes, it requires careful implementation and customization to address the specific demands of each surgical discipline. The potential to expedite recovery, optimize resource utilization, and enhance patient satisfaction cannot be overstated. However, the fine balance between achieving these benefits and ensuring comprehensive patient care, especially in the context of postoperative pain management, must be maintained. As ERAS continues to evolve and find its place in diverse surgical domains, it is crucial for healthcare providers to remain attentive to patient needs, adapting ERAS protocols to suit individual patient populations and surgical contexts.

Designing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols in Neurosurgery: A Contemporary Narrative Review

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have revolutionized the approach to perioperative care in various surgical specialties. They reduce complications, improve patient outcomes, and shorten hospital lengths of stay. Implementation of ERAS protocols for neurosurgical procedures has been relatively underexplored and underutilized due to the unique challenges and complexities of neurosurgery. This narrative review explores the barriers to, and pioneering strategies of, standardized procedure-specific ERAS protocols, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in neurosurgery and neuroanesthsia, patient-centered approaches, and continuous quality improvement initiatives, to achieve better patient outcomes. It also discusses initiatives to guide future clinical practice, research, and guideline creation, to foster the development of tailored ERAS protocols in neurosurgery.

Retrospective case-control non-inferiority analysis of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in dogs undergoing mini-hemilaminectomy for intervertebral disc disease

BACKGROUND

Veterinary medicine has seen significant advancements in locoregional anaesthesia and pain management, including the emergence of the erector spinae plane (ESP) block. However, limited clinical evidence exists on its efficacy and safety.

OBJECTIVES

This study compares ultrasound-guided ESP block (ESP group) with an intraoperative intravenous ketamine infusion analgesic protocol (CRI group) in dogs undergoing thoracolumbar mini-hemilaminectomy, focusing on intraoperative opioid consumption, cardiovascular response to surgical stimulation (CR), postoperative pain scores (PS), and postoperative opioid consumption.

METHODS

Retrospective, case-control, non-inferiority study conducted in a single centre. Data collected included demographics, bupivacaine dose, ESP block operator, intraoperative recorded variables (haemodynamic variables, CR, complications, rescue analgesia), pre- and postoperative analgesia, 24-hour PS and opioid administration, first food intake post-extubation and postoperative complications. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were applied.

RESULTS

One-hundred dogs were included, 75 in the ESP group and 25 in the CRI group. Univariate analysis revealed no significant differences between treatment groups in terms of CR, PS, postoperative rescue analgesia, intraoperative and postoperative opioid consumption, or time to first meal intake. However, the multivariate regression analysis indicated that dogs receiving ketamine infusion had higher CR suspected to be nociception-related (p = 0.036), and higher postoperative opioid consumption (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that ultrasound-guided ESP block is as effective as intraoperative ketamine infusion providing perioperative analgesia in dogs undergoing thoracolumbar mini-hemilaminectomy for intervertebral disc disease. ESP group showed significantly lower CR suspected to be nociception-related intraoperatively and lower postoperative opioid consumption within the initial 24 hours.

A qualitative study of geriatric specialist nurses' experiences to navigate delirium in the elderly

BACKGROUND

The experiences and perceptions of geriatric specialist nurses are pivotal to understanding the complexities of managing delirium and to developing effective nursing interventions. This qualitative study aims to explore these experiences and perceptions to inform the enhancement of clinical geriatric nursing and care practices.

METHODS

Utilizing a qualitative exploratory design, this research engaged a convenience sample of geriatric specialist nurses at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China through focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Data were rigorously analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, which facilitated the identification of themes that emerged from the narratives of the geriatric specialist nurses.

RESULTS

The thematic analysis yielded three major themes that encapsulate the nurses' experiences and perceptions. Theme 1: Understanding of Delirium, highlighted the nurses' awareness of the condition's significance, yet it was often deprioritized due to the pressing demands of managing more acute and immediately life-threatening conditions. Theme 2: Barriers in Application, brought to light the multifaceted challenges faced by nurses, including language barriers, the frequency and consistency of delirium assessments, the social determinants of health, and the nurses' own competencies in assessment. Theme 3: Evolution of Nursing Approaches, detailed the adaptive strategies employed by nurses, such as managing nursing adverse events, improving communication with patients' families, and adopting a proactive stance towards long-term patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that while geriatric specialist nurses recognize the importance of delirium assessment, there are several barriers to effective application. The study underscores the imperative for the advancement of more refined delirium assessment and care protocols, tailored to address the unique requirements of geriatric nursing care.

Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol for Cranial Vault Remodeling Procedures

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been implemented across surgical disciplines, including cranial vault remodeling for craniosynostosis. The authors aim to describe the implementation of an ERAS protocol for cranial vault remodeling procedures performed for patients with craniosynostosis at a tertiary care hospital.

DESCRIPTION

Institutional review board approval was received. All patients undergoing a cranial remodeling procedure for craniosynostosis at the authors' institution over a 10-year period were collected (n = 168). Patient and craniosynostosis demographics were collected as well as operative details. Primary outcome measures were intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS) and narcotic usage. Chi squared and independent t-tests were employed to determine significance. A significance value of 0.05 was utilized.

RESULTS

During the time examined, there were 168 primary cranial vault remodeling procedures performed at the authors' institution - all of which were included in the analysis. Use of the ERAS protocol was associated with decreased initial 24-hour morphine equivalent usage (p < 0.01) and decreased total morphine equivalent usage (p < 0.01). Patients using the ERAS protocol experienced a shorter ICU LOS (p < 0.01), but the total hospital length of stay was unchanged.

CONCLUSION

This study reiterates the benefit of developing and implementing an ERAS protocol for patients undergoing cranial vault remodeling procedures. The protocol resulted in an overall decreased ICU LOS and a decrease in narcotic use. This has implications for ways to maximize hospital reimbursement for these procedures, as well as potentially improve outcomes.

Racial Disparity in Length of Stay Following Implementation of a Bariatric Enhanced Recovery Program

INTRODUCTION

Enhanced Recovery Programs (ERPs) mitigate racial disparities in postoperative length of stay (LOS) for colorectal populations. It is unclear, however, if these effects exist in the bariatric surgery population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the racial disparities in LOS before and after implementation of bariatric surgery ERP.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from a single institution. Patients undergoing minimally invasive sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass from 2017 to 2019 (pre-ERP) or 2020-2022 (ERP) were included. Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and analysis of variance were used to compare groups, and estimated LOS (eLOS) was assessed via multivariable regression.

RESULTS

Seven hundred sixty four patients were identified, including 363 pre-ERPs and 401 ERPs. Pre-ERP and ERP cohorts were similar in age (median 44.3 years versus 43.8 years, P = 0.80), race (53.4% Black versus 56.4% Black, P = 0.42), and preoperative body mass index (median 48.3 versus 49.4, P = 0.14). Overall median LOS following bariatric surgery decreased from 2 days pre-ERP to 1 day following ERP (P < 0.001). Average LOS for Black and White patients decreased by 0.5 and 0.48 days, respectively. However, overall eLOS remained greater for Black patients compared with White patients despite ERP implementation (eLOS 0.21 days, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a bariatric surgery ERP was associated with decreased LOS for both Black and White patients. However, Black patients did have slightly longer LOS than White patients in both pre-ERP and ERP eras. More work is needed to understand the driving mechanism(s) of these disparities to eliminate them.

Animation-guided family empowerment program on perioperative care after neurosurgery: A randomized controlled trial for preventing respiratory complications

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using animation as education material for family empowerment program on perioperative care for caregivers whose children were to undergo neurosurgery.

Methods

A total of 204 caregivers were randomly assigned to either the face-to-face oral nursing educated group (Oral Group) or the animation-assisted nursing educated group (Animated Group). The nursing education primarily focused on instructing caregivers about the manual vibration method. The primary outcome of interest in this study was participants' knowledge level, collected by a 10-item questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included child patients' clinical data, including hospitalization days, treatments, and signs of pneumonia.

Results

Participants in the Animated Group exhibited significantly higher accuracy in perioperative care knowledge assessment, and patients in this group had a lower chance of requiring atomization therapy compared to the Oral Group.

Conclusions

The animation-assisted nursing education program effectively enhances pediatric caregivers' knowledge, reduces respiratory complications after surgery, and offers valuable insights for future studies on the use of such programs to instruct caregivers.

Improved Postoperative Pain Management Outcomes After Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol for Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC)

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis is promising but has potential for significant morbidity and prolonged hospitalization. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a standardized protocol designed to optimize perioperative care. This study describes trends in epidural and opioid use after implementing ERAS for CRS-HIPEC at a tertiary academic center.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC from January 2020 to September 2023 was conducted. ERAS was implemented in February 2022. Medication and outcomes data were compared before and after ERAS initiation. All opioids were converted to morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs).

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients underwent CRS-HIPEC: 73 (54%) pre- and 63 (46%) post-ERAS. Epidural usage increased from 63% pre-ERAS to 87% post-ERAS (p = 0.001). Compared with those without epidurals, patients with epidurals had decreased total 7-day oral and intravenous (IV) opioid requirements (45 MME vs. 316 MME; p < 0.001). There was no difference in 7-day opioid totals between pre- and post-ERAS groups. After ERAS, more patients achieved early ambulation (83% vs. 53%; p < 0.001), early diet initiation (81% vs. 25%; p < 0.001), and early return of bowel function (86% vs. 67%; p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS implementation for CRS-HIPEC was associated with increased epidural use, decreased oral and IV opioid use, and earlier bowel function return. Our study demonstrates that epidural analgesia provides adequate pain control while significantly decreasing oral and IV opioid use, which may promote gastrointestinal recovery postoperatively. These findings support the implementation of an ERAS protocol for effective pain management in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC.

Clinical factors associated with ultrashort length of stay in patients undergoing lower extremity bypass for peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND

Length of stay (LOS) is a major driver of cost and resource utilization following lower extremity bypass (LEB). However, the variable comorbidity burden and mobility status of LEB patients makes implementing enhanced recovery after surgery pathways challenging. The aim of this study was to use a large national database to identify patient factors associated with ultrashort LOS among patients undergoing LEB for peripheral artery disease.

METHODS

All patients undergoing LEB for peripheral artery disease in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database from 2011 to 2018 were included. Patients were divided into two groups based on the postoperative length of stay : ultrashort (≤2 days) and standard (>2 days). Thirty-day outcomes were compared using descriptive statistics, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify patient factors associated with ultrashort LOS.

RESULTS

Overall, 17,510 patients were identified who underwent LEB, of which 2678 patients (15.3%) had an ultrashort postoperative LOS (mean, 1.8 days) and 14,832 (84.7%) patients had a standard LOS (mean, 7.1 days). When compared to patients with a standard LOS, patients with an ultrashort LOS were more likely to be admitted from home (95.9% vs 88.0%; P < .001), undergo elective surgery (86.1% vs 59.1%; P < .001), and be active smokers (52.1% vs 40.4%; P < .001). Patients with an ultrashort LOS were also more likely to have claudication as the indication for LEB (53.1% vs 22.5%; P < .001), have a popliteal revascularization target rather than a tibial/pedal target (76.7% vs 55.3%; P < .001), and have a prosthetic conduit (40.0% vs 29.9%; P < .001). There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups (1.4% vs 1.8%; P = .21); however, patients with an ultrashort LOS had a lower frequency of unplanned readmission (10.7% vs 18.8%; P < .001) and need for major reintervention (1.9% vs 5.6%; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, elective status (odds ratio , 2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.33-3.04), active smoking (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.30), and lack of vein harvest (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.41-1.70) were associated with ultrashort LOS. Presence of rest pain (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.51-0.63), tissue loss (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.27-0.34), and totally dependent functional status (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35-0.84) were associated negatively with an ultrashort LOS. When examining the subgroup of patients who underwent vein harvest, totally dependent (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.19-0.75) and partially dependent (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32-0.88) functional status were persistently negatively associated with ultrashort LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrashort LOS (≤2 days) after LEB is uncommon but feasible in select patients. Preoperative functional status and mobility are important factors to consider when identifying LEB patients who may be candidates for early discharge.

Opioid-Free Analgesia is Safe and Effective in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial (RCT).

OBJECTIVE

Compare the efficacy of a multimodal, opioid-free (OF) pain management pathway with a traditional opioid-containing (OC) pathway in patients undergoing anterior cervical procedures.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Previous studies have compared opioid-based pain regimens to opioid-sparing regimens following cervical spine surgery, but have been limited by high rates of crossover, retrospective designs, reliance on indwelling pain catheters, opioid utilization for early postoperative analgesia, and/or a lack of patient-reported outcome measures.

METHODS

This is a RCT in which patients were allocated to either an OF or OC perioperative pain management protocol. Eligible study participants included adult (age up to 18 y) patients who underwent primary, 1-level or 2-level anterior cervical surgery [anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), anterior cervical disc arthroplasty (ACDA), or hybrid (ACDF and ACDA at different levels)] for degenerative pathology. The primary outcome variable was subjective pain level at 24 hours postoperative. The final study cohort consisted of 50 patients (22 OF, 28 OC).

RESULTS

Patients in the OF group reported lower median postoperative pain levels at 6 hours (4 for OF vs. 7 for OC; P =0.041) and 24 hours (3 for OF vs. 5 for OC; P =0.032). At 2-week and 6-week follow-up, pain levels were similar between groups. Patients in the OF group reported greater comfort at 12 hours (9 for OF vs. 5 for OC; P =0.003) and 24 hours (9 for OF vs. 5 for OC; P =0.011) postoperatively. Notably, there were no significant differences in patients' reported pain satisfaction, overall surgical satisfaction, or overall sense of physical and mental well-being. In addition, there were no significant differences in falls, delirium, or constipation postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

A multimodal OF pain management pathway following anterior cervical surgery for degenerative disease results in statistically noninferior pain control and equivalent patient-reported outcome measures compared with a traditional OC pathway.

Effects of accelerated rehabilitation surgical care on the surgical site wound infection and postoperative complications in patients of lung cancer: A meta-analysis

To comprehensively evaluate the effect of accelerated rehabilitation surgical care on perioperative wound infections and complications in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. A comprehensive computerised search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of accelerated rehabilitative surgical care applied to patients undergoing lung cancer surgery was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from inception to September 2023. The literature was screened and evaluated by two investigators, and data were extracted from the final included literature. Stata software (version 17.0) was used for data analysis. Overall, 21 RCTs involving 2187 patients were included, including 1093 cases in the accelerated rehabilitation surgical care group and 1094 cases in the conventional care group. The analyses revealed that patients with lung cancer surgery who implemented accelerated rehabilitation surgical care were significantly less likely to develop postoperative wound infections (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.49, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.20-0.34, p < 0.001) and shortened the hospital length of stay (standardised mean differences [SMD] = -1.93, 95% CI: -2.32 to -1.53, and p < 0.001) compared with conventional care. The effect of accelerated rehabilitation surgical care intervention in the perioperative period of lung cancer surgery patients is remarkable, as it can effectively reduce the incidence of wound infection and complications, shorten hospitalisation time and promote patient recovery.

Impact of fast-track rehabilitation nursing on pressure ulcers and postoperative complications in patients with inter-trochanteric fractures: A meta-analysis

We sought to investigate the effects of fast-track rehabilitation nursing on pressure ulcers, length of hospital stay and postoperative complications in patients with inter-trochanteric fractures (ITF). The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception to September 2023 on the application of fast-track rehabilitative nursing to ITF. Two investigators independently screened the literature and performed data extraction and quality assessments using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4. Overall, 22 RCTs involving 1904 patients were included. Meta-analysis revealed that after fast-track rehabilitation nursing intervention in patients with ITF, the occurrence of pressure ulcers (odds ratio [OR]: 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18-0.47; p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.14-0.26; p < 0.001) were significantly reduced and hospital stay was significantly shorter (standardised mean difference: -3.10; 95% CI: -3.82 to -2.38; p < 0.001). Nursing care for patients with ITF based on the concept of fast-track rehabilitation is conducive to reducing the occurrence of pressure ulcers, lowering the occurrence of complications, shortening the length of hospitalisation and promoting postoperative rehabilitation.

The Impact of the Post-Traumatic Facial Reconstruction on Postoperative Weight Loss

Objectives: To identify risk factors and evaluate the impact of various facial fractures and reconstruction surgeries on postoperative weight change. Methods: Retrospective, monocentric study was performed at a tertiary care center. Medical history, type and mechanism of fracture, operative factors, and postoperative weights at follow-up appointments for 145 adult patients undergoing surgical repair for maxillofacial fractures were collected. Further information was obtained on postoperative diet and whether patients received maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to evaluate effects of surgical reconstruction after facial trauma on postoperative weight loss. Results: Patients lost 3.2 ± 4.9 kg (95% confidence interval = 2.7-4.1, P < .0001) on average, with maximum loss between date of surgery and first follow-up. Univariate analysis demonstrated that intensive care unit admission (5.9 kg, SD 5.4, P = .001), nasogastric tube placement (5.1 kg, SD 4.6, P = .012), and MMF (4.4 kg, SD 5.4, P < .0001) were associated with more severe weight loss. Multivariate analyses showed that only MMF remained a significant risk factor for increased weight loss (avg. 6.0, standard error 1.93, t value 3.11, P = .0024). Conclusions: We report significant weight loss following facial trauma and reconstruction, which emphasizes the need to perform further studies on nutrition protocols for this patient population to optimize wound healing.

Adrenalectomy approach and outcomes according to surgeon volume

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the relationship between surgeon volume, operative management, and resource utilization in adrenalectomy.

METHODS

Isolated adrenalectomies performed within our health system were identified (2016-2021). High-volume surgeons were defined as those performing ≥6 cases/year. Outcomes included indication for surgery, perioperative outcomes, and costs.

RESULTS

Of 476 adrenalectomies, high-volume surgeons (n ​= ​3) performed 394, while low-volume surgeons (n ​= ​12) performed 82. High-volume surgeons more frequently operated for pheochromocytoma (19% vs. 16%, p ​< ​0.001) and less frequently for metastasis (6.4% vs. 23%, p ​< ​0.001), more frequently used laparoscopy (95% vs. 80%, p ​< ​0.001), and had lower operative supply costs ($1387 vs. $1,636, p ​= ​0.037). Additionally, laparoscopic adrenalectomy was associated with shorter length of stay (-3.43 days, p ​< ​0.001), lower hospitalization costs (-$72,417, p ​< ​0.001), and increased likelihood of discharge to home (OR 17.03, p ​= ​0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

High-volume surgeons more often resect primary adrenal pathology and utilize laparoscopy. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is, in turn, associated with decreased healthcare resource utilization.

Multimodal Analgesic Effectiveness on Acute Postoperative Pain Management After Adult Cardiac Surgery: Protocol for a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Many patients report moderate to severe pain in the acute postoperative period. Enhanced recovery protocols recommend multimodal analgesics, but the optimal combination of these is unknown.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to synthesize the best available evidence about effectiveness of multimodal analgesics on pain after adult cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A systematic review to determine the effect of multimodal postoperative analgesics is proposed (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews Registration CRD42022355834). Multiple databases including the Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, American Psychological Association, the Education Resources Information Centre, the Excerpta Medica database, the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Scopus, Web of Science, and clinical trials databases will be searched. Screening in Covidence and quality assessment will be conducted by 2 authors. A grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation summary of findings will be presented if meta-analysis is possible.

The challenges of nursing care for patients with lumbar discectomy: A qualitative study

AIM

Patients with lumbar disc surgery experience many different problems during their hospital stay. Nurses also face different challenges in providing care to them. Nonetheless, no study has yet specifically addressed these challenges to the best of our knowledge. This study aimed at exploring the challenges of nursing care for patients with lumbar discectomy.

DESIGN

This qualitative study was conducted in 2022 using content analysis.

METHODS

Eight nurses, three patients with lumbar discectomy, and one physician were purposively selected from the neurosurgery wards of the hospitals affiliated to Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data analysis and the content analysis method recommended by Elo and Kyngas was used for data analysis. The main phases of this method are open coding, grouping, categorization, and abstraction. The MAXQDA 10 software was employed to facilitate data management. Data collection continued to reach data saturation.

RESULTS

The challenges of nursing care for patients with lumbar discectomy were categorized into eleven subcategories and three main categories, namely dominant routine-based practice in the healthcare system, futile attempt for team-based care, and shortages as a major barrier to quality care. There are different personal, professional, financial, structural, and organizational challenges in nursing care for patients with lumbar discectomy which can negatively affect postoperative patient recovery.

Enhanced recovery pathways for head and neck surgery with free tissue transfer reconstruction

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway is designed to facilitate recovery after surgery by packaging evidence-based protocols specific to each aspect of the perioperative period, including the preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and post-discharge periods. The ERAS pathway, which was originally developed for use with colonic resection, is now being expanded to include a variety of surgical procedures, and the ERAS Society has published a consensus review of the ERAS pathway for head and neck surgery with free tissue transfer reconstruction (HNS-FTTR). The ERAS pathway for HNS-FTTR consists of various important protocols, including early postoperative mobilization, early postoperative enteral nutrition, abolition of preoperative fasting, preoperative enteral fluid loading, multimodal pain management, and prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting. In recent years, meta-analyses investigating the utility of the ERAS pathway in head and neck cancer surgery have also been presented, and all reports showed that the length of the postoperative hospital stay was reduced by the implementation of the ERAS pathway. The ERAS pathway is now gaining traction in the field of head and neck surgery; however, the details of its efficacy remain uncertain. We believe the future direction will require research focused on improving the quality of postoperative patient recovery and patient satisfaction. It will be important to use patient-reported outcomes to determine whether the ERAS pathway is actually beneficial.