E.R.A.S. pathway in colorectal surgery in elderly: Our experience: A retrospective cohort study

An internally and externally validated nomogram for predicting cancer-specific survival in octogenarians after radical resection for colorectal cancer

AIMS

We aimed to develop an elaborative nomogram that predicts cancer-specific survival (CSS) in American and Chinese octogenarians treated with radical resection for CRC.

METHODS

The patient data of newly diagnosed patients aged 80 years or older who underwent radical resection for CRC from 2010 to 2015 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and then randomly divided into a training cohort and a validation cohort. The patients collected from our hospital were defined as the external validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression was used to select independent predictive factors for the construction of a nomogram to predict 1-, 2- and 3-year CSS.

RESULTS

The multivariate Cox regression model identified age, T stage, N stage, perineural invasion, chemotherapy, tumour deposits, carcinoembryonic antigen level, number of lymph node metastases, and number of solid organ metastases as independent predictors of survival. The C-index of the nomogram for 1-, 2- and 3-year CSS was 0.758, 0.762, and 0.727, respectively, demonstrating significant clinical value and substantial reliability compared to the TNM stage. The calibration curve and area under the curve also indicated considerable predictive accuracy. In addition, decision curve analysis demonstrated desirable net benefits in clinical application.

CONCLUSION

We constructed a nomogram for predicting the CSS of individual octogenarian patients with CRC who underwent radical resection. The nomogram performed better than the TNM staging system in this particular population and could guide clinicians in clinical follow-up and individual therapeutic plan formulation.

Evaluating Implementation Costs of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol in Colorectal Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been well documented in the current literature to improve healthcare outcomes by decreasing length of stay, resource utilization, and morbidity without increasing readmission rates or complications. This subsequently leads to a net decrease in hospital costs. However, the initial costs of implementing such a program have not been well described, which is crucial information for hospitals with less resources. The aim of this study was to provide a cohesive review of the current literature for the costs of implementing a colorectal surgery ERAS protocol.

METHODS

A comprehensive review was conducted on five databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, PROSPERO, PubMed, and Cochrane) with the assistance of a professional librarian. All relevant English articles published between 1995 and June 2021 were screened for eligibility prior to inclusion in the review. Cost data were converted to US dollars based on the exchange rate at the end time of the study period for standardization.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included for review. The studies evaluated a range of 50-1295 patients through their respective ERAS programs, which were followed for 5 to 22 months. ERAS implementation costs ranged from $57 to $1536 per patient. Components for each ERAS program varied for each study, but ultimately, the greatest costs were attributed to personnel.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite data heterogeneity and inconsistencies between cost breakdowns, a majority of the implementation cost was found to be secondary to personnel. This review demonstrates the need for a more standardized approach for reporting ERAS implementation costs through an open database as well as a potential streamlining of the ERAS protocol to facilitate implementation in institutions with less financial resources.

Enhanced recovery after colorectal surgery is a safe and effective pathway for older patients: a pooling up analysis

PURPOSE

The current study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of Enhanced Recovery after surgery (ERAS) in older patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Three databases including PubMed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Library were used for searching eligible studies on Jun 8^th,2022. To evaluate the effect of ERAS, we focused on the short-term outcomes including postoperative complications and recovery. Subgroup analysis was also conducted for patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. All the data processing and analyses were carried out by Stata (V.16.0) software.

RESULTS

Finally, there were fourteen studies involving 5961 patients enrolled in this study. As for surgical outcomes, we found that the older group had more overall complications (OR = 1.41, I² = 36.59%, 95% CI = 1.20 to 1.65, P = 0.00), more obstruction (OR = 1.462, I² = 0.00%, 95% CI = 1.037 to 2.061, P = 0.0304), more respiratory complications (OR = 1.721, I² = 0.00%, 95% CI = 1.177 to 2.515, P = 0.0051), more cardiovascular complications (OR = 3.361, I² = 57.72%, 95% CI = 1.072 to 10.542, P = 0.0377), more urinary complications (OR = 1.639, I² = 37.63%, 95% CI = 1.168 to 2.299, P = 0.0043), less readmission (OR = 0.662, I² = 44.48%, 95% CI = 0.484 to 0.906, P = 0.0100), higher mortality (OR = 0.662, I² = 44.48%, 95% CI = 0.484 to 0.906, P = 0.0100), and longer overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.21, I² = 0.00%, 95% CI = 0.566 to 1.859, P = 0.0002)). Subgroup analysis also found that older CRC patients had a higher risk of overall complications (OR = 1.37, I² = 37.51%, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.78, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although ERAS could accelerate postoperative recovery and reduce postoperative complications, older patients who received ERAS still had higher complication incidence than younger patients. Although the proportion of re-hospitalizations was lower and the OS was better, doctors could not rely too much on ERAS. More measures were needed to improve the outcomes of colorectal surgery in older patients.

Clinical practice guidelines for enhanced recovery after colon and rectal surgery from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) are dedicated to ensuring high-quality innovative patient care for surgical patients by advancing the science, prevention, and management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus as well as minimally invasive surgery. The ASCRS and SAGES society members involved in the creation of these guidelines were chosen because they have demonstrated expertise in the specialty of colon and rectal surgery and enhanced recovery. This consensus document was created to lead international efforts in defining quality care for conditions related to the colon, rectum, and anus and develop clinical practice guidelines based on the best available evidence. While not proscriptive, these guidelines provide information on which decisions can be made and do not dictate a specific form of treatment. These guidelines are intended for the use of all practitioners, healthcare workers, and patients who desire information about the management of the conditions addressed by the topics covered in these guidelines. These guidelines should not be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care nor exclusive of methods of care reasonably directed toward obtaining the same results. The ultimate judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure must be made by the physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient. This clinical practice guideline represents a collaborative effort between the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) and was approved by both societies.

Considerations in Surgical Management of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Older Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this manuscript is to present new and thought-provoking information related to the surgical care of older patients. We focused on four main areas including communication, surgical pathways, the care of emergency surgery patients, and functional recovery and quality of life. We sought to answer how these areas have evolved, affecting the care of older patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Older patients with cancer present particular challenges in relation to communication, goals, surgical treatment, and post-surgical outcomes. Communication should be clear early and during the treatment course. A multidisciplinary, multimodality, multi-phase pathway can be utilized to improve the postoperative outcomes of older patients with cancer. Functional recovery and quality of life can and should be measured in this population. Communication is complicated in cancer patients, which is made more complex with advancing age. Communication is the cornerstone of the treatment of older patients. Future research should focus on interventions to improve communication and measure quality of life and functional recovery metrics.

Post-operative outcomes in the elderly following colorectal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Despite the prevalence of colorectal cancer in the elderly, there has been a lack of recent studies examining surgical outcomes in these patients. Post-operative outcomes of colorectal cancer surgeries in those aged 80 and above will be compared to those younger than 80.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of adults receiving surgical resections at a single tertiary centre for colorectal cancer diagnosed between January 2017 and December 2019. Patient demographics, mode of presentation, tumour demographics, operative data and post-operative outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

Of the 326 patients included, 56 were aged 80 and above. Older patients were more likely to be female (P = 0.02), present with surgical emergencies or from other workup rather than through screening (P = 0.002), have more locally advanced cancers (P = 0.009) and receive less neoadjuvant therapy (P = 0.016). Despite this, they had comparable outcomes to those younger than 80 in terms of length of stay (P = 0.21) and rates of complications including mortality (P = 0.67).

CONCLUSION

With appropriate patient selection and management, elderly patients can achieve comparable post-operative outcomes to their younger counterparts.

The American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification Program and the Practicing Colorectal Surgeon

The population is aging and older adults are increasingly undergoing surgery. Colorectal surgeons need to understand the risks inherent in the care of older adults and identify concrete ways to improve the quality of care for this vulnerable population. Goals for the practicing colorectal surgeon include: 1) introduce the American College of Surgeons’ (ACS) Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program and understand the intersection with colorectal surgery, 2) examine the 30 evidence-based GSV standards and how they can achieve better outcomes after colorectal surgery, and 3) outline the value and benefits for colorectal surgeons of implementing such a program.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is safe, feasible and effective in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery: results of a prospective single center study

BACKGROUND

It is still unknown whether ERAS program is safe, feasible and effective in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. In addition, the definition of the "old patient" in terms of age varies across the studies and different age cut-off, such as 65, 70, and 75 years have been used worldwide.

METHODS

All adult patients undergoing primary, elective colorectal laparoscopic surgery between January 2017 and December 2018 were considered eligible to follow the ERAS protocol according to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society guidelines. Elderly were defined according three different cut-off values: <65 and ≥65 years, <70 and ≥70 years, <75 and ≥75 years.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight patients were included in the study. Adherence to protocol did not differ significantly between younger and older patients, for most of the items. Thirty-day mortality was absent. The frequency of postoperative complications globally considered and the frequency of the various single complications did not differ significantly between younger and older patients, independently of the cutoff considered to define the older age. Similarly, the frequency of re-intervention and readmission was similar in younger and older patients. Time to flatus and time to stool were similar in young and older patients, independently of the age cut-off used. Time to oral liquid diet was similar in patients with age <65 and ≥65 years while it was moderately longer in patients ≥70 years (1.5±1.1 days;) than in those <70 years (1.1±0.4 days; P=0.030) as well as in patients ≥75 years with respect to the younger ones (1.2±0.5 vs. 1.6±1.2 days; P=0.045). The time to oral solid feeding was similar in young and old patients, independently of the age cut-off used. Time to bladder catheter removal was significantly longer in older patients, independently of the age cut-off used, although the differences do not seem to be clinically relevant. The length of stay was significantly higher in older patients, when the cutoff of 70 years or 75 years was used, but did not differ significantly when the cut-off of 65 years was used.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that the ERAS protocol is safe, feasible, and effective in elderly patients as in the young ones, undergoing laparoscopic elective colorectal surgery. This suggests that the ERAS program can be applied usefully to elderly patients in the routine clinical practice.

Impact of age on feasibility and short-term outcomes of ERAS after laparoscopic colorectal resection

BACKGROUND

There is still large debate on feasibility and advantages of fast-track protocols in elderly population after colorectal surgery.

AIM

To investigate the impact of age on feasibility and short-term results of enhanced recovery protocol (ERP) after laparoscopic colorectal resection.

METHODS

Data from 225 patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection and ERP between March 2014 and July 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Three groups were considered according to patients’ age: Group A, 65 years old or less, Group B, 66 to 75 years old and Group C, 76 years old or more. Clinic and pathological data were compared amongst groups together with post-operative outcomes including post-operative overall and surgery-specific complications, mortality and readmission rate. Differences in post-operative length of stay and adherence to ERP’s items were evaluated in the three study groups.

RESULTS

Among the 225 patients, 112 belonged to Group A, 57 to Group B and 56 to Group C. Thirty-day overall morbidity was 32.9% whilst mortality was nihil. Though the percentage of complications progressively increased with age (25.9% vs 36.8% vs 42.9%), no differences were observed in the rate of major complications (4.5% vs 3.5% vs 1.8%), prolonged post-operative ileus (6.2% vs 12.2% vs 10.7%) and anastomotic leak (2.7% vs 1.8% vs 1.8%). Significant differences in recovery outcomes between groups were observed such as delayed urinary catheter removal (P = 0.032) and autonomous deambulation (P = 0.013) in elderly patients. Although discharge criteria were achieved later in older patients (3 d vs 3 d vs 4 d, P = 0.040), post-operative length of stay was similar in the 3 groups (5 d vs 6 d vs 6 d).

CONCLUSION

ERPs can be successfully and safely applied in elderly undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection.

A systematic review of the intervention components, adherence and outcomes of enhanced recovery programmes in older patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery

Background

Enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs) aim to attenuate the surgical stress response and accelerate recovery after surgery, but are not specifically designed for older patients. The objective of this study was to review the components, adherence and outcomes of ERPs in older patients (≥65 years) undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase and Cinahl were searched between 2000 and 2017 for randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, before-after studies, and observational studies. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the MINORS quality assessment. The review was performed and reported according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Results

Twenty-one studies, including 3495 ERP patients aged ≥65 years, were identified. The ERPs consisted of a median of 13 intervention components. Adherence rates were reported in 9 studies and were the highest (≥80%) for pre-admission counselling, no bowel preparation, limited pre-operative fasting, antithrombotic and antimicrobial prophylaxis, no nasogastric tube, active warming, and limited intra-operative fluids. The median post-operative length of stay was 6 days. The median post-operative morbidity rate (Clavien-Dindo I-IV) was 23.5% in-hospital and 29.8% at 30 days. The in-hospital post-operative mortality rate was 0% in most studies and amounted to a median of 1.4% at 30 days. The median 30-day readmission rate was 4.9% and the median reoperation rate was 5.0%.

Conclusions

ERPs in older patients were in accordance with the ERP consensus guidelines. Although the number of intervention components applied increased over time, outcomes in earlier and later studies remained comparable. Adherence rates were under-reported. Future studies should explore adherence and age-related factors, such as frailty profile, that could influence adherence.

Trial registration

PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018084756.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12877-019-1158-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long-Term Survival in Octogenarians After Surgical Treatment for Colorectal Cancer: Prevention of Postoperative Complications is Key

Background

Whether to treat octogenarians with colorectal cancer (CRC) in the same manner as younger patients remains a challenging issue. The purpose of this study was to analyse postoperative complications and long-term survival in a consecutive cohort of octogenarians who were surgically treated for CRC.

Methods

Octogenarians with primary CRC suitable for curative surgery between January 2008 and December 2011 were included. Data about comorbidities, tumour stage, and complications were retrospectively collected from patient files. Data about survival were retrieved with use of the Dutch database for persons and addresses. To identify factors associated with severe postoperative complications and postoperative survival, logistic regression analyses, and Cox regression analyses were performed. Odds ratios and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated.

Results

In a series of 108 octogenarians, median age was 83 years (range 80–94 years). Median follow-up was 47 (range 1–107) months. Major postoperative complications occurred in 25% of the patients. No risk factors for development of severe postoperative complications could be identified. The 30-day mortality was 7%; 1- and 5-year mortality was 19% and 56%, respectively. Overall median survival was 48 months: 66 months in patients without complications versus 13 months in patients with postoperative complications. Postoperative complications were most predictive of decreased survival (HR 3.16; 95% CI 1.79–5.59), even including tumour characteristics, comorbidity, and emergency surgery.

Conclusions

Long-term survival in octogenarians deemed fit for surgery is reasonably good. Prevention of major postoperative complications could further improve clinical outcome.

Short-term outcomes and benefits of ERAS program in elderly patients undergoing colorectal surgery: a case-matched study compared to conventional care

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the benefits of implementing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols in elderly patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective non-randomized cohort study was conducted from September 2012 to December 2016. We included patients ≥ 70 years undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Outcome measures, compliance with interventions, and postoperative complications of patients treated under ERAS were case-matched (based on gender, age, type of surgery, and the presence/absence of a temporal stoma) to a retrospective group of patients ≥ 70 years treated under conventional care.

RESULTS

A total of 312 patients (156 ERAS vs. 156 non-ERAS) were included in the study. The ERAS group had a significant reduction of grade III/IV Dindo-Clavien's postoperative complications when compared with conventional care. ERAS had a positive effect in reducing anastomotic leakage (14.7% non-ERAS vs. 9%) and postoperative mortality (11.5% non-ERAS vs. 1.9% ERAS; p = 0.001). A reduction of 2 days in length of hospital stay was achieved after implementing ERAS (8 (6.75) vs. 6 (5.25); p < 0.0001), while readmission rates remained unaffected. The average of global compliance (GC) with all ERAS interventions was 42%. GC was significantly lower in patients with permanent/temporary stomas and in patients in whom an open approach was performed.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, ERAS should be implemented without reservations in elderly patients expecting the same goals and benefits as with other age groups. Barriers in achieving a high compliance rate are common and will require a great effort in patient's education, an intensive perioperative care, and sometimes a change in the surgeons' practice.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery: The Plastic Surgery Paradigm Shift

BACKGROUND

With a focus on providing high quality care and reducing facility based expenses there has been an evolution in perioperative care by way of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). ERAS allows for a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach to perioperative care which not only expedites recovery but maximizes patient outcomes. This paradigm shift has been generally accepted by most surgical specialties, including plastic surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of ERAS on outcomes in cosmetic plastic surgery.

METHODS

A prospective study consisting of phone call questionnaires was designed where patients from two senior plastic surgeons (N.H.R. and J.D.F.) were followed. The treatment group (n = 10) followed an ERAS protocol while the control group (n = 12) followed the traditional recovery after surgery which included narcotic usage. Patients were contacted on postoperative days (POD) 0 through 7+ and surveyed about a number of outcomes measures.

RESULTS

The ERAS group demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative pain on POD 0, 1, 2, and 3 (all P < 0.01). There was also statistically less nausea/vomiting, fatigue/drowsiness, constipation, and hindrance on ambulation compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). Significance was achieved for reduction in fatigue/drowsiness on POD 0 and 1 (P < 0.01), as well as ability to ambulate on POD 0 and 3 (P = 0.044). Lastly, opioid use (P < 0.001) and constipation (P = 0.003) were decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS protocols have demonstrated their importance within multiple surgical fields, including cosmetic plastic surgery. The utility lies in the ability to expedite patient's recovery while still providing quality care. This study showed a reduction in postoperative complaints by avoiding narcotics without an increase in complications. Our findings signify the importance of ERAS protocols within cosmetic plastic surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4