The effect of an Enhanced Recovery Program in elective retroperitoneal abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol with multimodal anesthesia on perioperative outcomes after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

OBJECTIVE

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) clinical pathways have demonstrated improved perioperative outcomes after major surgery. However, its adoption within vascular surgery has been limited. In this study, we examined the impact of an ERAS protocol with multimodal anesthesia on open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair by comparing early outcomes before and after its implementation.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed early outcomes after elective open repairs of intact AAA performed from 2013 to 2023 at a single institution. Eighty consecutive patients treated after implementation of an ERAS protocol with multimodal anesthesia were compared with 161 patients treated before its implementation. Propensity score matching based on age, gender, body mass index, Vascular Quality Initiative AAA Mortality Risk Score, Rockwood Frailty Scale, aortic cross clamp location, aneurysm size, and type of exposure was performed to achieve one:one matching using the nearest neighbor technique. Quantile and logistic regression assessed the impact of the ERAS protocol on length of stay, 30-day mortality, opioid consumption (morphine milligram equivalents), hospital cost, complications, and readmissions.

RESULTS

Both groups (ERAS vs pre-ERAS, respectively) were predominantly male (80% vs 73%; P = .27), with a median age of 74 years. Similar mean Vascular Quality Initiative predicted mortality (2.9% vs 4.0%; P = .13), clinical frailty score (3.1 vs 3.3; P = .17), aneurysm size (60 mm vs 62 mm; P = .06), rates of suprarenal cross-clamp (76% vs 88%; P = .07), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (29% vs 31%; P = .73), chronic kidney disease (14% vs 16%; P = .66), myocardial disease (16% vs 20%; P = .54), and cerebrovascular disease (15% vs 19%; P = .53) were observed in the matched groups. ERAS was associated with a reduction in length of stay by 3 days (P < .001), a decrease in opioid consumption by 37 morphine milligram equivalents (P < .001), and a reduction in hospital costs by US$4704 (P < .001). There was a trend toward a lower risk of major complications (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-1.1; P = .06). Thirty-day mortality (5% vs 6.3%; P = .73) and readmission (7.9% vs 13.2%; P = .29) rates were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

An ERAS protocol using a multimodal anesthesia was associated with improved early outcomes compared with patients treated before ERAS implementation. These results mirror similar benefits seen in nonvascular ERAS programs, and broader application should be considered in institutions that perform a high volume of open aortic repairs.

Comparison of Hospital Stay After Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair With or Without Enhanced Recovery Protocol

Objective

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a protocol of evidence based practices applied in major surgery. Open aortic aneurysm repair is major surgery in terms of complications and mortality. This study aimed to compare early outcomes of ERAS with a traditional post-operative protocol in patients undergoing elective open aortic surgery.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2018 - 2022 in two tertiary vascular surgery centres. The ERAS program was routinely implemented in one centre, while the other one used a standard peri-operative protocol. The primary outcome was post-operative length of stay (pLOS). Secondary outcomes were 30 day mortality rate, complications, re-interventions, and re-hospitalisations. Propensity score weighting was used to balance the two groups by comorbidities. Inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) was used to estimate the average treatment effect on the treated patients.

Results

A total of 198 patients were enrolled: 128 in the ERAS group (EG) and 70 in the standard group (SG). Mean age was 70.8 ± 6.7 years in EG and 71.1 ± 6.7 in SG (p = 0.39). No significant differences were observed in pre-operative cardiovascular risk factors. The median pLOS was 5 days (IQR 3, 6) in the EG group and 8 days (IQR 6, 11) in the SG group (p < 0.001). No differences in terms of mortality, re-operations, and re-hospitalisations were observed. The IPTW analyses showed a 40% reduction in pLOS and a significant reduction in major complications in EG (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.26-0.66; p < 0.001). A 45% increase in pLOS in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was found in both groups.

Conclusion

Enhanced recovery after surgery is safe and feasible for elective open aortic surgery and is associated with earlier hospital discharge without differences in terms of mortality and lower complication rates compared with a standard protocol. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major risk factor for an increase in pLOS. The ERAS protocol is promising in terms of resource utilisation.

Impact of enhanced recovery program on clinical outcomes after elective colorectal surgery in a rural hospital. A single center experience

Background

The main purpose was to determine the impact on postoperative outcomes of a standardized enhanced recovery program (ERP) for elective colorectal surgery in a rural hospital.

Methods

A prospective series of patients (N = 80) undergoing elective colorectal resection completing a standardized ERP protocol in 2018-2020 (ERP group) was compared to patients (N = 80) operated at the same rural hospital in 2013-2015 (pre-ERP group), before the implementation of the program. The exclusion criteria for both groups were: ASA score IV, TNM stage IV, inflammatory bowel disease, emergency surgery, and rectal cancer. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LoS) which was used as an estimate of functional recovery. Secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission and mortality rates as well as associated factors with both postoperative complications and prolonged hospital LoS.

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. The median adherence to ERP protocol elements was 68 % versus 12 % in the retrospective control group. The median hospital LoS in the ERP-group was significantly lower than in the pre-ERP group (5 vs. 10 days) with no increase in 30-day readmission and mortality rates. The Body Mass Index ≥30 and the traditional peri-operative protocol were the associated factors to postoperative complications, while following a traditional peri-operative protocol was the only factor associated with a prolonged hospital LoS (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Although limited hospital resources are perceived as a barrier to ERP implementation, the current experience demonstrates how adopting an ERP program in a rural area is feasible and effective, despite it requires greater effort.

Clinical Impact of an Enhanced Recovery Program for Lower-extremity Bypass

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) implementation with length of stay (LOS) and perioperative outcomes after lower-extremity bypass (LEB).

BACKGROUND

ERPs have been shown to decrease hospital LOS and improve perioperative outcomes, but their impact on patients undergoing vascular surgery remains unknown.

METHODS

Patients undergoing LEB who received or did not receive care under the ERP were included; pre-ERP (January 1, 2016-May 13, 2018) and ERP (May 14, 2018-July 31, 2022). Clinicopathologic characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 393 patients who underwent LEB [pre-ERP: n = 161 (41%); ERP: n = 232 (59%)], most were males (n = 254, 64.6%), White (n = 236, 60%), and government-insured (n = 265, 67.4%). Pre-ERP patients had higher Body Mass Index (28.8 ± 6.0 vs 27.4 ± 5.7, P = 0.03) and rates of diabetes (52% vs 36%, P = 0.002). ERP patients had a shorter total [6 (3-13) vs 7 (5-14) days, P = 0.01) and postoperative LOS [5 (3-8) vs 6 (4-8) days, P < 0.001]. Stratified by indication, postoperative LOS was shorter in ERP patients with claudication (3 vs 5 days, P = 0.01), rest pain (5 vs 6 days, P = 0.02), and tissue loss (6 vs 7 days, P = 0.03). ERP patients with rest pain also had a shorter total LOS (6 vs 7 days, P = 0.04) and lower 30-day readmission rates (32%-17%, P = 0.02). After ERP implementation, the average daily oral morphine equivalents decreased [median (interquartile range): 52.5 (26.6-105.0) vs 44.12 (22.2-74.4), P = 0.019], while the rates of direct discharge to home increased (83% vs 69%, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest single-center cohort study evaluating ERP in LEB, showing that ERP implementation is associated with shorter LOS and improved perioperative outcomes.

Editor's Choice -- European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Abdominal Aorto-Iliac Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

The European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) has developed clinical practice guidelines for the care of patients with aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries in succession to the 2011 and 2019 versions, with the aim of assisting physicians and patients in selecting the best management strategy.

METHODS

The guideline is based on scientific evidence completed with expert opinion on the matter. By summarising and evaluating the best available evidence, recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients have been formulated. The recommendations are graded according to a modified European Society of Cardiology grading system, where the strength (class) of each recommendation is graded from I to III and the letters A to C mark the level of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 160 recommendations have been issued on the following topics: Service standards, including surgical volume and training; Epidemiology, diagnosis, and screening; Management of patients with small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), including surveillance, cardiovascular risk reduction, and indication for repair; Elective AAA repair, including operative risk assessment, open and endovascular repair, and early complications; Ruptured and symptomatic AAA, including peri-operative management, such as permissive hypotension and use of aortic occlusion balloon, open and endovascular repair, and early complications, such as abdominal compartment syndrome and colonic ischaemia; Long term outcome and follow up after AAA repair, including graft infection, endoleaks and follow up routines; Management of complex AAA, including open and endovascular repair; Management of iliac artery aneurysm, including indication for repair and open and endovascular repair; and Miscellaneous aortic problems, including mycotic, inflammatory, and saccular aortic aneurysm. In addition, Shared decision making is being addressed, with supporting information for patients, and Unresolved issues are discussed.

CONCLUSION

The ESVS Clinical Practice Guidelines provide the most comprehensive, up to date, and unbiased advice to clinicians and patients on the management of abdominal aorto-iliac artery aneurysms.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Enhanced Recovery for Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery

Introduction: Open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and high length of stay (LOS). Enhanced recovery is now commonplace and has been shown to decrease these in other non-vascular surgery settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the benefits of enhanced recovery (ERAS) in aortic surgery. Method: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used to undertake a systematic review via Ovid MEDLINE and Embase on 10.07.2021. The search terms were "aortic aneurysm" and "fast track" or "enhanced recovery". Data was obtained on major complications, 30-day mortality and LOS. Results: 107 papers were identified and 10 papers included for meta-analysis. Complication rates were significantly reduced with ERAS compared to non-ERAS protocols (ERAS n = 709, non-ERAS n = 930) (odds ratio .38, .22 to .65: P = .0005). LOS was also significantly reduced with an ERAS protocol (ERAS n = 708, non-ERAS n = 956) with a mean reduction of 3 .18 days (-5.01 to -1.35 days) (P = .0007: I2 = 97%). There was no significant difference however in 30-day mortality (P = .92). Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates significant benefits to an enhanced recovery programme in open AAA surgery. There is a need for a multi-centre randomized controlled trial to assess this further.

Perioperative care in open aortic vascular surgery: A Consensus Statement by the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS®) Society and Society for Vascular Surgery

The Society for Vascular Surgery and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society formally collaborated and elected an international, multi-disciplinary panel of experts to review the literature and provide evidence-based recommendations related to all of the health care received in the perioperative period for patients undergoing open abdominal aortic operations (both transabdominal and retroperitoneal approaches, including supraceliac, suprarenal, and infrarenal clamp sites, for aortic aneurysm and aortoiliac occlusive disease). Structured around the ERAS® core elements, 36 recommendations were made and organized into preadmission, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative recommendations.

Is Mini-Invasive Surgery an Alternative for the Treatment of Juxtarenal Aortic Aneurysms?

INTRODUCTION

Aim of our study is to evaluate the outcomes of mini-laparotomy, suprarenal cross-clamping, and enhanced recovery after elective open surgical repair for juxta-renal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAA) in a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

Data of all consecutive patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) electively treated with left sub-costal mini-laparotomy requiring infrarenal or suprarenal cross-clamping between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into two groups: infra-renal cross-clamping (group A) and JAAA requiring supra-renal cross-clamping (group B). Early and mid-term mortality, postoperative renal dysfunction according to RIFLE criteria and factors affecting postoperative outcome were analysed.

RESULTS

Four hundred one patients, 356 (88.8%) men, mean age 70.8 yrs, underwent open surgical repair (OSR), 343 (85.5%) AAA in group A, 58 (14.5%) JAAA in group B. Mean diameter of the aneurysms was 54 ± 11.4 mm vs. 52 ± 9 mm and mean time of intervention 154.9 ± 56.3 min vs. 180.1 ± 65.7 min respectively. Total clamp time was 72.27 ± 31.4 vs. 75 ± 33.1 and suprarenal clamp time in group B 27.82 ± 14.1 min. Mean hospital length of stay was 5.1 ± 2.8 vs. 5.37 ± 3.4 days respectively. At 30 days, 3 (0.9%) patients died in group A and no one in group B; at 24 months 7 (2%) deaths in group A and 4 (6.9%) in group B. Preoperative, postoperative and discharge serum creatinine mean value, in group B, were 1.07 ± 0.32, 1.31 ± 0.36 and 1.83 ± 1.24 respectively. Based on RIFLE criteria for renal function, we observed Risk in 14.2% and Injury in 12.7% of patients after suprarenal cross clamping.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that mini-invasive open repair for JAAA with a suprarenal cross-clamping can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates similar to traditional surgical approach without significant modifications of renal functions.

A pilot study of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in aortic surgery

OBJECTIVE

We tested the outcomes with the use of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in patients who had undergone open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (enhanced recovery after vascular surgery [ERAVS] protocol). We compared them with those obtained for patients who had undergone endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and for a historical control group of standard open AAA repair in a prospective, single-center pilot study.

METHODS

From June to December 2019, all patients who were candidates for open AAA repair at our department were enrolled in the ERAVS protocol (ERAVS group; 17 patients). During the same period, 18 patients had undergone EVAR (EVAR group). The historical control group of standard open AAA repair included 32 patients who had undergone surgery during the 6 months before the study period (standard protocol open repair [OR] group). The three groups were compared on an "on-treatment" basis (prospectively for the ERAVS and EVAR groups and retrospectively for the OR group) in terms of the time to discharge (TTD), interval to the resumption of oral intake, time to ambulation, resumption of bowel function, and postoperative pain. Comparisons were performed using the one-way analysis of variance test, Tukey post hoc test for quantitative data, and χ² test for qualitative data.

RESULTS

The ERAVS protocol was successfully applied for all but one patient (feasibility rate, 94%). The mean TTD was 5.1 days in the ERAVS group, 3.5 days in the EVAR group, and 8.4 days in the OR group [P < .001; F(2,64) = 11.3], with a significant difference between the OR and ERAVS and EVAR groups (P = .1 and P < .001, respectively) but not between the EVAR and ERAVS groups (P = .4). The ERAVS group had intervals to the resumption of oral intake and ambulation similar to those of the EVAR group. In contrast, these were significantly longer for the OR group. The mean time to the resumption of bowel function was similar in the ERAVS and OR groups (2.6 and 2.9 days, respectively; P = .6). In the ERAVS group, the mean value of the maximum referred pain using the numeric rating scale was 3.75 (range, 1-6). The corresponding values for the EVAR and OR groups were 2.6 (range, 0-6) and 4.9 [range, 1-8; F(2,62) = 15.4; P < .001]. The post hoc test showed a significant difference between the OR group and the ERAVS and EVAR group (P = .01 and P < .001, respectively) but not between the ERAVS and EVAR groups (P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

In our early experience, the ERAVS protocol appeared to be effective in reducing the TTD and improving the postoperative outcomes compared with the OR group, without significant differences compared with the EVAR group.

Disparities in mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair are linked to insurance status

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine differences in mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair based on insurance type.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, data from all-payer patients in nonpsychiatric hospitals in New York, Maryland, Florida, Kentucky, and California from January 2007 to December 2014 (excluding California, ending December 2011) were extracted from the State Inpatient Databases, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. There were 90,102 patients ≥18 years old with available insurance data who underwent open AAA repair or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedure codes 3844, 3925, and 3971. EVAR patients were identified using the procedure code 3971, and the remainder of cases were categorized as open. Patients were divided into cohorts by insurance type as Medicare, Medicaid, uninsured (self-pay/no charge), other, or private insurance. Patients were further stratified for subgroup analyses by procedure type. Unadjusted rates of in-hospital mortality, the primary outcome, as well as secondary outcomes, such as surgical urgency, 30-day and 90-day readmissions, length of stay, total charges, and postoperative complications, were examined by insurance type. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for in-hospital mortality were calculated using multivariate logistic regression models fitted to the data. The multivariate models included patient-, surgical-, and hospital-specific factors with bivariate baseline testing suggestive of association with insurance status in addition to variables that were selected a priori.

RESULTS

Medicaid and uninsured patients had the highest rates of mortality relative to private insurance beneficiaries in all cohorts. Medicaid patients incurred a 47% increase in the odds of mortality, the highest among the insured, after all AAA repairs (OR, 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-1.76), whereas uninsured patients experienced a 102% increase in the odds of mortality (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.54-2.67). Subgroup analyses for open AAA repair and EVAR corroborated that Medicaid insurance (open repair OR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.14-1.64]; EVAR OR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.40-3.04]) and uninsured status (open repair OR, 1.85 [95% CI, 1.35-2.54]; EVAR OR, 2.96 [95% CI, 1.82-4.81]) were associated with the highest odds of mortality after both procedures separately.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that Medicaid insurance and uninsured status are associated with higher unadjusted rates and adjusted ORs for in-hospital mortality after AAA repair relative to private insurance status. Primary payer status therefore serves as an independent predictor of the risk of death subsequent to AAA surgical interventions.

Learning Curve Analysis to Determine Operative Requirements for Young Vascular Surgeons Learning Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

Since endovascular aneurysm repair has become predominant, the issue of training young vascular surgeons in open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery has received significant attention. Through learning curve analysis, we aimed to determine the number of cases needed for young surgeons to achieve satisfactory open surgical skills.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 562 consecutive patients who underwent open repair either by an attending surgeon (group A) or 6 young vascular surgeons (group Y) were included and assessed with regards to the preparation, clamp, and total operation times. Although some of the patients' characteristics were different, the surgical procedures were comparable between the 2 groups. There was a clear trend towards a decrease in each 10 successive cases in group Y. The operation times in group A were constant at 72±30 (preparation), 48±10 (clamp), and 231±59 min (total), which were achieved by young vascular surgeons in 10, 30, and 10 cases, respectively. In the cumulative sum analysis, 25-27 cases were necessary for young vascular surgeons to enhance their surgical skills. The complication rate in group Y was no higher than that in group A.

CONCLUSIONS

Young vascular surgeons can safely learn open AAA repair without increasing operation time or complications. Approximately 30 cases would be necessary to gain satisfactory surgical skills.

Factors Affecting Longer Stay and Higher Costs during Elective Open Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND

Open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has the advantage of requiring less reintervention compared with endovascular aneurysm repair. The reduction of the initial hospitalization costs can provide socioeconomic benefits. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with an increase in the length of hospital stay and costs of open surgery for AAA.

METHODS

A total of 579 consecutive patients who underwent open surgery for intact AAA and survived, between 1998 and 2015 at Asahi General Hospital in Japan, were included in the analysis. Patients' characteristics, aneurysm morphology, operative procedures, postoperative complications, and postoperative courses were analyzed in relation to the hospital length of stay and costs. Patients with longer stays or higher costs (exceeding the third quartile) were compared with those with stays or costs no more than the third quartile.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 75 ± 8 years, and 492 patients (85%) were male, with a mean aortic diameter of 57 ± 10 mm. The mean operation time was 214 ± 56 min with an estimated mean blood loss of 444 ± 305 g. Transfusion was required in 28 patients (4.8%) and return to the operating room (RTOR) in 18 patients (3.1%). The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 (7-8) days. Median costs of hospitalization were 12,300 (11,800-13,100) United States Dollar. In the multivariate analysis, the major factors which increased the length of stay were transfusion, late ambulation, and prolonged fasting time. Major risk factors for higher total hospitalization costs were transfusion, RTOR, and longer fasting time.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of the patients' comorbidities or aneurysm morphology, avoidance of transfusion and RTOR, combined with early ambulation and enteral feeding in the postoperative care, can reduce the length of stay and total hospitalization costs associated with open surgery for AAA.

Day of surgery: the impact on patient length of stay in a tertiary vascular unit

BACKGROUND

Our hypothesis was that patients undergoing surgery earlier in the week would have better access to physiotherapy and other discharge services after surgery and, as a result, would have a shorter length of hospital stay compared with patients undergoing surgery later in the week. This study aimed to assess whether there is a significant difference in postoperative length of hospital stay between the groups with secondary assessment by operation subtype.

METHODS

We identified all patients admitted for vascular surgery in 2015 from a prospectively collected database and divided the week into Monday to Wednesday and Thursday to Friday. Endovascular cases were included but day cases were excluded. Further analysis was performed with a breakdown in both groups by operation type. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0.

RESULTS

We identified 652 patients who met our criteria. Within the elective patient group, there was a significantly longer length of stay of three days for the late-week group compared with two days for the early-week group (P = 0.016). Femoral artery procedures had a median length of stay of two days for those operated on early in the week compared with four days later in the week (P < 0.005). Open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair showed a trend to longer length of stay in the late-week group (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

Day of surgery appears to impact on patients' length of stay following vascular procedures, with the greatest impact on medium-sized procedures. This difference could be explained by the difference in weekend support services, but further evaluation is required following introduction of weekend support services to assess this.

Decreased opioid prescribing in children using an enhanced recovery protocol

BACKGROUND

A previously implemented Enhanced Recovery Protocol (ERP) for children undergoing elective gastrointestinal operations demonstrated decreased length of stay (LOS) and in-hospital opioid use. We hypothesized that the ERP would be associated with decreased postdischarge opioid prescribing.

METHODS

Demographic, operative, and opioid prescription data were retrospectively compared between elective gastrointestinal surgical patients in the pre-ERP (1/2012-12/2014) and the post-ERP periods (1/2015-12/2017).

RESULTS

Of the 99 patients reviewed, 56 (56.7%) were treated in the post-ERP era. Overall, 48 (48.5%) were male, and the most common operation was partial or total colectomy (n = 39, 39.4%) followed by ileocecectomy (n = 26, 26.3%). Most patients were 15-16 years of age and had inflammatory bowel disease (n = 88, 88.9%). LOS decreased from a median 4 days pre-ERP to 3 days post-ERP (p = 0.02). Patients receiving intraoperative opioids decreased from 100% to 46% (p < 0.01) and postoperative opioids from 95% to 59% (p < 0.01). Patients receiving an opioid prescription at discharge decreased from 69.8% pre-ERP to 30.9% post-ERP (p < 0.01). Among patients prescribed opioids at discharge, the number of doses (median 23 to 17, p = 0.44) and the median morphine equivalents/kg remained stable (median 2.3 to 1.7, p = 0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

A pediatric gastrointestinal surgery ERP resulted in decreased postdischarge prescribing of opioids.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective cohort study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

A systematic review of enhanced recovery after surgery for vascular operations

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing vascular operations face high rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications and delayed return to baseline. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), with its aim of delivering high-quality perioperative care and accelerating recovery, appears well suited to address the needs of this population.

METHODS

In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we performed a systematic review to characterize the use and effectiveness of ERAS in all types of vascular and endovascular operations. We queried MEDLINE (through PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Prospero, and Google Scholar. Two reviewers independently completed screening, review, and quality assessment. Eligible articles described the use of ERAS pathways for vascular operations from January 1, 1997, through December 7, 2017. Details regarding patients' demographics and use of the ERAS pathway or selected ERAS components were extracted. When available, results including perioperative morbidity, mortality, and in-hospital length of stay were collected. The studies with control groups that evaluated ERAS-like pathways were meta-analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

In the final analysis, 19 studies were included: four randomized controlled trials and 15 observational studies. By Let Evidence Guide Every New Decision (LEGEND) criteria, the two good-quality studies are randomized controlled trials that evaluated a specific part of an ERAS pathway. All other studies were considered poor quality. Meta-analysis of the five studies describing ERAS-like pathways demonstrated a reduction in length of stay by 3.5 days (P = .0012).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on systematic review, the use of ERAS pathways in vascular surgery is limited, and existing evidence of their feasibility and effectiveness is low quality. There is minimal poor- to moderate-quality evidence describing the use of ERAS pathways in open aortic operations. There is scarce, poor-quality evidence related to ERAS pathways in lower extremity operations and no published evidence related to ERAS pathways in endovascular operations. Although the risk of bias is high in most of the studies done to date, all of them observed improvements in length of stay, postoperative diet, and ambulation. It is reasonable to consider the implementation of ERAS pathways in the care of vascular surgery patients, specifically those undergoing open aortic operations, but many of the details will be based on limited data and extrapolation from other surgical specialties until further research is done.

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

The Impact of System Factors on Quality and Safety in Arterial Surgery: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

A systems approach to patient safety proposes that a wide range of factors contribute to surgical outcome, yet the impact of team, work environment, and organisational factors, is not fully understood in arterial surgery. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and discuss what is already known about the impact of system factors on quality and safety in arterial surgery.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review of original research papers in English using MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases, was performed according to PRISMA guidelines.

REVIEW METHODS

Independent reviewers selected papers according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and using predefined data fields, extracted relevant data on team, work environment, and organisational factors, and measures of quality and/or safety, in arterial procedures.

RESULTS

Twelve papers met the selection criteria. Study endpoints were not consistent between papers, and most failed to report their clinical significance. A variety of tools were used to measure team skills in five papers; only one paper measured the relationship between team factors and patient outcomes. Two papers reported that equipment failures were common and had a significant impact on operating room efficiency. The influence of hospital characteristics on failure-to-rescue rates was tested in one large study, although their conclusions were limited to the American Medicare population. Five papers implemented changes in the patient pathway, but most studies failed to account for potential confounding variables.

CONCLUSIONS

A small number of heterogenous studies have evaluated the relationship between system factors and quality or safety in arterial surgery. There is some evidence of an association between system factors and patient outcomes, but there is more work to be done to fully understand this relationship. Future research would benefit from consistency in definitions, the use of validated assessment tools, measurement of clinically relevant endpoints, and adherence to national reporting guidelines.

Fast-track endovascular aortic repair: Interim report from the prospective LIFE registry

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility, safety, and clinical utility of a fast-track endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) protocol.

BACKGROUND

Despite recent advances in EVAR technology and techniques, considerable opportunity exists to further improve EVAR efficiency and outcomes.

METHODS

Eligible patients underwent elective EVAR with the Ovation Prime stent graft. Successful completion of the fast-track protocol required bilateral percutaneous access, avoidance of general anesthesia and intensive care unit admission, and next-day discharge. Patients were followed through 1-month post-treatment.

RESULTS

Between October 2014 and September 2015, 129 patients were enrolled in the study. Vascular access, stent graft delivery, and stent graft deployment were successful in all patients. The fast-track EVAR protocol was successfully completed in 114 (88%) patients. Bilateral percutaneous access was achieved in 97% of cases. Comparing patients who completed fast-track requirements to those who failed at least one component, procedure time was 86 vs. 122 min, use of general anesthesia was 0% vs. 20%, need for intensive care unit stay was 0% vs. 13%, hospital stay was 1.1 vs. 2.1 days, and postoperative groin pain severity (0-10 scale) was 1.2 vs. 4.0. No type I or III endoleaks, serious device-related adverse events, AAA ruptures, surgical conversions, or AAA-related secondary procedures were reported. One (0.9%) patient in the fast-track group died from acute respiratory failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial results from the LIFE study are encouraging and suggest that a fast-track protocol is feasible, safe, and may improve efficiency of healthcare resource allocation in select patients undergoing EVAR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.