Impact of Compliance With Components of an ERAS Pathway on the Outcomes of Anatomic VATS Pulmonary Resections

Does Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols Reduce Complications and Length of Stay After Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has an increasingly important role in the perioperative management of thoracic surgical patients. It has been extensively studied in multiple surgical specialties, particularly colorectal surgery, where ERAS protocols have been shown to reduce postoperative length of stay and postoperative complications. Electronic searches of two research databases were performed: PubMed (1972 to October 2023) and Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to October 2023). The literature search was completed on January 4, 2024. Search terms included: "thoracic surgery" and "ERAS" or "Enhanced Recovery After Surgery". The search was limited to studies evaluating humans undergoing thoracic surgery for any indication. The primary outcome was overall morbidity, with secondary outcomes including mortality, length of stay, and pulmonary complications. The search yielded a total of 794 records, of which 30 (four meta-analyses and 26 observational trials) met the relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review suggested the implementation of ERAS protocols can lead to a reduction in postoperative morbidity; however, this was not a consistent finding. The majority of studies included demonstrated a reduction in the length of stay with the implementation of ERAS. Overall, ERAS/ERATS is an important adjunct to the management of patients requiring thoracic surgery, consistently leading to shorter lengths of stay and likely contributing to reduced rates of postoperative morbidity. Further research will be required to determine the impact of the recently released ERATS guidelines.

The implementation of a pectus bar insertion enhanced recovery after surgery pathway: A quality improvement initiative

BACKGROUND

Pectus excavatum repair is associated with significant discomfort, and pain is a primary contributor to postoperative hospital length of stay. Recent advances in postoperative pain control include the use of intercostal cryoablation techniques that may now make it possible to discharge patients on the day of surgery. Unnecessary variation in patient care and noncompliance with care bundles may be a factor in extended length of stay. The global aim of this quality improvement initiative was to successfully implement an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway on patients undergoing pectus excavatum repair. The SMART aim was to have a greater than 70% compliance for the perioperative bundle elements within 1 year of the pathway implementation.

METHODS

Multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were designed to create and implement an ERAS pathway for patients undergoing a pectus bar insertion procedure. This multidisciplinary pathway was designed, managed, and implemented with key stakeholders from the Departments of Evidence Based Practice, Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Perioperative Nursing. Patient characteristics, outcomes, and compliance with elements of the pathway were measured for analysis for both the baseline and post-intervention groups with monthly automated reports.

RESULTS

After implementation of the ERAS pathway, data on the first 50 patients showed a 90% compliance with the perioperative bundle elements. Mean length of stay was significantly decreased from 33 h (95% CI [28.76, 37.31]) to 18 h (95% CI [14.54, 21.70]). There were zero readmissions within 24 hours for patients who were discharged on the day of surgery.

CONCLUSION

Employing a multidisciplinary approach in both planning and execution that standardized clinician practices and minimized unnecessary variation in patient care, an ERAS pathway for pectus bar insertion has been successfully established at our institution.

Initial Results of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program in Patients Undergoing Lobectomy in the Treatment of Lung Cancer: An Experience From the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City

BACKGROUND

Lobectomy is a standard surgical method in the treatment of early stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program aims to reduce the postoperative length of hospital stay (PLOS) in major surgeries. This study evaluated the impact of the ERAS program on PLOS and identified related factors in patients undergoing lobectomy for NSCLC.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted at the University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from February 2022 to December 2023. We included patients diagnosed with NSCLC scheduled for lobectomy. The ERAS protocol was applied according to guidelines from the ERAS Society and the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine. We collected data on patient demographics, surgical details, adherence to the ERAS protocol, and postoperative outcomes, including the PLOS.

RESULTS

Among the 98 patients enrolled, the median PLOS after ERAS intervention was 4.1 days (interquartile range: 3.7 to 5.2 days). Adherence to ERAS protocols significantly correlated with reduced PLOS (p<0.001). Notably, smoking status was identified as a related factor of PLOS (p=0.002). Complications (p<0.001), surgical method (p=0.007), operation time (p<0.001), duration of postanesthesia care unit (p=0.006), duration of thoracic drainage (p<0.001), and urinary catheter retention time (p=0.023) were also associated with PLOS variations.

CONCLUSION

Implementing the ERAS program in patients undergoing lobectomy for NSCLC at our center reduced PLOS and highlighted the importance of protocol adherence for optimizing surgical outcomes. These findings supported the broader adoption of ERAS protocols in thoracic surgery to enhance patient recovery. Future research should focus on multi-center studies to generalize these results and further dissect the impact of individual ERAS components.

Modern fluid management in thoracic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an approach to perioperative fluid management for lung resection patients that incorporates the entire patient pathway in the context of international guidelines on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS).

RECENT FINDINGS

The concern with intraoperative fluid management is that giving too little or too much fluid is associated with worse outcomes after lung resection. However, it has not emerged as a key care element in thoracic ERAS programs probably due to the influence of other ERAS elements. Carbohydrate loading 2 h before surgery and the allowance of water until just prior to induction ensures the patient is both well hydrated and metabolically normal when they enter the operating room. Consequently, maintaining a euvolemic state during anesthesia can be achieved without goal-directed fluid therapy despite the recommendations of some guidelines. Intravenous fluids can be safely stopped in the immediate postoperative period.

SUMMARY

The goal of perioperative euvolemia can be achieved with the ongoing evolution and application of ERAS principles. A focus on the pre and postoperative phases of fluid management and a pragmatic approach to intraoperative fluid management negates the need for goal-directed fluid therapy in most cases.

Evaluation of an enhanced recovery after lung surgery (ERALS) program in lung cancer lobectomy: An eight-year experience

INTRODUCTION

Enhanced recovery after lung surgery (ERALS) protocols have proven useful in reducing postoperative stay (POS) and postoperative complications (POC). We studied the performance of an ERALS program for lung cancer lobectomy in our institution, aiming to identify which factors are associated with a reduction of POC and POS.

METHODS

Analytic retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital involving patients submitted to lobectomy for lung cancer and included in an ERALS program. Univariable and multivariable analysis were employed to identify factors associated with increased risk of POC and prolonged POS.

RESULTS

A total 624 patients were enrolled in the ERALS program. The median POS was 4 days (range 1-63), with 2.9% of ICU postoperative admission. A videothoracoscopic approach was used in 66.6% of cases, and 174 patients (27.9%) experienced at least one POC. Perioperative mortality rate was 0.8% (5 cases). Mobilization to chair in the first 24h after surgery was achieved in 82.5% of cases, with 46.5% of patients achieving ambulation in the first 24h. Absence of mobilization to chair and preoperative FEV1% less than 60% predicted, were identified as independent risk factors for POC, while thoracotomy approach and the presence of POC predicted prolonged POS.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a reduction in ICU admissions and POS contemporaneous with the use of an ERALS program in our institution. We demonstrated that early mobilization and videothoracoscopic approach are modifiable independent predictors of reduced POC and POS, respectively.

Effects of enhanced recovery after surgery plus pulmonary rehabilitation on complications after video-assisted lung cancer surgery: a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer surgery is associated with a high incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). We evaluated whether enhanced recovery after surgery plus pulmonary rehabilitation was superior over enhanced recovery after surgery alone in reducing the incidence of postoperative PPCs and length of hospital stay.

METHODS

In this pragmatic multicentre, randomised controlled, parallel-group clinical trial, eligible patients scheduled for video-assisted lung cancer surgery were randomly assigned (1:1) to either a newly developed programme that integrated preoperative and postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation components into a generic thoracic enhanced recovery after surgery pathway, or routine thoracic enhanced recovery after surgery. Primary outcome was the overall occurrence of PPCs within 2 weeks after surgery. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of specific complications, time to removal of chest drain, and length of hospital stay (LOS).

RESULTS

Of 428 patients scheduled for lung cancer surgery, 374 were randomised with 187 allocated to the experimental programme and 187 to control. Incidence of PPCs at 14 Days was 18.7% (35/187) in the experimental group and 33.2% (62/187) in the control group (intention-to-treat, unadjusted HR 0.524, 95% CI 0.347 to 0.792, p=0.002). Particularly, significant risk reduction was observed regarding pleural effusion, pneumonia and atelectasis. Time to removal of chest drain and LOS were not significantly reduced in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS

Adding pulmonary rehabilitation to enhanced recovery after surgery appears to be effective in reducing the incidence of PPCs, but not LOS. Standard integration of pulmonary rehabilitation into thoracic enhanced recovery after surgery is a promising approach to PPC prophylaxis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR1900024646.

OUP accepted manuscript

Background

Despite implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in lung surgery, potential barriers for improvements should be identified. The aim of this single-centre, prospective ERAS cohort study was to explore reasons for delayed patient discharge after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy with a median length of hospital stay (LOS) of 2 days.

Methods

Consecutive patients referred for VATS lobectomy were consulted twice daily by an investigator for the primary reasons for continued hospitalization. The secondary outcomes were risk factors for delayed recovery using univariate and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

A total of 147 patients were included (69 with LOS more than 2 days and 78 with LOS of 2 days or less) from April 2020 to December 2020. Air leak (27.7 per cent), pneumonia (20.2 per cent), pain (15.3 per cent), urinary/renal factors (11.0 per cent), atrial fibrillation (7.0 per cent), respiratory failure (4.5 per cent), cognitive factors/delirium (4.3 per cent), gastrointestinal factors (3.8 per cent), oxygen dependency (2.7 per cent), social factors (2.0 per cent), and pleural effusion (1.4 per cent) were important factors for discharge more than 2 days after surgery. The 30-day readmission rate after discharge was 21 per cent for LOS of 2 days or less and 22 per cent for LOS more than 2 days (P = 0.856). On a multivariate regression model, age (per 5-year increase, odds ratio (OR) 1.29, 95 per cent c.i. 1.01 to 1.66, P = 0.043) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁) per cent (per 5 per cent increase, OR 0.89, 95 per cent c.i. 0.81 to 0.98, P = 0.021) were significantly related to discharge after more than 2 days.

Conclusion

Despite a short median LOS of 2 days, air leak, pneumonia, and pain remain the most important challenges for further improvement of the ERAS programme. Age and FEV₁ per cent were statistically significant risk factors for LOS longer than 2 days.

Enhanced recovery after thoracic anesthesia

In recent years, the concept of “Perioperative Medicine” has been evolved to a more concrete and sophisticated approach called “Enhanced Recovery After Surgery” (ERAS). ERAS has been first introduced in colorectal surgery by a dedicated leading ERAS® society, ERAS-criteria has been subsequently extended into several types of surgery, including thoracic surgery. Anesthesiology has always been one of the most important components of the multidisciplinary perioperative approaches, which is also valid for ERAS. There are several guidelines published on the enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS). This article focuses on the “official” ERATS protocols of a joint consensus of two different societies. Regarding thoracic anesthesia, there are some challenges to be dealt with. The first challenge, although there is a large number of studies published on thoracic anesthesia, only a very few of them have studied the overall outcome and quality of recovery; and only few of them were powered enough to provide sufficient evidence. This has led to the fact that some components of the protocol are debatable. The second challenge, the adherence to individual elements and the overall compliance are poorly reported and also hard to apply even in the best organized centers. This article explains and discusses the debatable viewpoints on the elements of the ERATS protocol published in 2019 aiming to achieve a list for the future steps required for a more effective and evidence-based ERATS protocol.

Establishment of a Fast-Track Gastrectomy Pathway for Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma at a U.S. Academic Cancer Center

INTRODUCTION

Implementation of fast-track perioperative care pathways for gastric cancer patients in the U.S. has been challenging due to low disease incidence and limited safety and efficacy data. Our institution recently implemented such a pathway for gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy, and we sought to study its effects.

METHODS

We analyzed data from consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma from January 2014 to August 2020. Patients who had surgery for recurrence, urgent surgery for obstruction, bleeding, or perforation, or an intrathoracic anastomosis were excluded. The primary predictor was whether the patient had surgery before or after implementation of a perioperative fast-track gastrectomy pathway in July 2018, and the primary outcome was length of stay.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty patients were identified, 109 pre-pathway implementation and 51 post-pathway implementation. Following pathway implementation, length of stay was significantly shorter (median 6 days versus 9 days, p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in 30-day complication rates (29% pre versus 24% post, P = 0.56) or readmission rates (18% pre versus 16% post, P = 0.85). Using linear segmented regression analysis adjusting for age, body mass index, tumor stage (early versus late), type of surgery (distal/subtotal versus total gastrectomy), and approach (open versus minimally invasive), pathway implementation was found to be associated with a 31% decreased length of stay (effect size 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.49 - 0.98, P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Fast-track gastrectomy care pathways are safe and feasible for U.S. gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy and are associated with decreased length of stay.

Early discharge after thoracoscopic anatomical pulmonary resection for non-small-cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Although video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has shortened hospitalization duration for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, the factors associated with early discharge remain unclear. This study aimed to identify patients eligible for a 72-h stay after VATS anatomical resection.

METHODS

Monocentric retrospective study including all consecutive patients undergoing VATS anatomical resection for NSCLC between February 2010 and December 2019. Two groups were defined according to the discharge: 'early discharge' (within 72 postoperative hours) and 'routine discharge' (at >72 postoperative hours).

RESULTS

A total of 660 patients with a median age of 66.5 years (interquartile range 60-73 years) (female/male: 321/339) underwent VATS anatomical pulmonary resection for NSCLC [segmentectomy in 169 (25.6%), lobectomy in 481 (72.9%), bilobectomy in 8 (1.2%) and pneumonectomy in 2 (0.3%) patients]. The cardiopulmonary and Clavien-Dindo III-IV postoperative complication rates were 32.6% and 7.7%, respectively. The median postoperative length of stay was 6 days (interquartile range 4-10 days). In total, 119 patients (18%) could be discharged within 72 h of surgery. On multivariable analysis, the factors significantly associated with an increased likelihood of early discharge were: body mass index >20 kg/m2 [odds ratio (OR) 2.37], absence of prior cardiopathy (OR 2), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide >60% (OR 1.82), inclusion in an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol (OR 2.23), use of a single chest tube (OR 5.73) and postoperative transfer to the ward (OR 4.84). Factors significantly associated with a decreased likelihood of early discharge were: age >60 years (OR 0.53), American Society of Anaesthesiologists score >2 (OR 0.46) and use of an epidural catheter (OR 0.41). Readmission rates were not statistically different between both groups (5.9% vs 3.1%; P = 0.17).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, pulmonary functions and comorbidities may influence discharge after VATS anatomical resection. The early discharge does not increase readmission rates.

Delayed Discharge after Thoracic Surgery under the Guidance of ERAS Protocols

BACKGROUND

 Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been applied in thoracic surgery and are beneficial to patients. However, some issues about ERAS are still pending.

METHODS

 A total of 1,654 patients who underwent thoracic surgery under the guidance of ERAS protocols were enrolled in this study. We set the length of postoperative stay (LOPS) as our key research indicator. Patients were divided into routine discharge group and delayed discharge group based on LOPS. Causes of delayed discharge were analyzed to improve management of postoperative recovery.

RESULTS

 Male, old age, underlying disease (coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, old cerebral infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and arrhythmia), intensive care unit (ICU) stay, type of insurance, and lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) are the independent impact factors causing delayed discharge. Increased nonchylous drainage (INCD) and prolonged air leakage were the two leading causes for delayed discharge.

CONCLUSION

 Patients should have personalized recovery goal under the same ERAS protocols. We should accept that patients in poor general condition have a prolonged LOPS. More stringent ICU stay indications should be developed to increase postoperative patients' ERAS protocols compliance. Further research on chest tube management will make a contribution to ERAS protocols.

Poor preoperative quality of life predicts prolonged hospital stay after VATS lobectomy for lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess whether quality of life (QoL) scales are associated with postoperative length of stay (LoS) following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for lung cancer.

METHODS

This is a single-centre retrospective analysis on 250 consecutive patients submitted to VATS lobectomies (233) or segmentectomies (17) over a period of 3 years. QoL was assessed in all patients by the self-administration of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 questionnaire. The individual QoL scales were tested for possible association with LoS along with other objective baseline and surgical parameters using univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Thirty-day cardiopulmonary and mortality rates were 22% and 2.4%. The median LoS was 4 days [interquartile range (IQR) 3-7]. Fifty-one (20%) patients remained in hospital longer than 7 days after surgery (upper quartile). General health [global health score (GHS)] (P = 0.019), physical function (P = 0.014) and role functioning (P = 0.016) scales were significantly worse in patients with prolonged stay. They were highly correlated between each other and tested separately in different logistic regression analyses. The best model resulted the one containing GHS (P = 0.032) along with age, low force expiratory volume in 1 s and carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity and history of cerebrovascular disease. Fifty-nine patients had GHS <58 (lower interquartile value). Thirty-one percent of them experienced prolonged hospital stay (vs 17% of those with higher GHS, P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative patient-reported QoL was associated with prolonged postoperative hospital stay. Baseline QoL status should be taken into consideration to implement psychosocial supportive programmes in the context of enhanced recovery after surgery.

Post-Cesarean Opioid Use after Implementation of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate whether implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is associated with lower maternal opioid use after cesarean delivery (CD).

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a pre- and postimplementation (PRE and POST, respectively) study of an ERAS protocol for cesarean deliveries. ERAS is a multimodal, multidisciplinary perioperative approach. The four pillars of our protocol include education, pain management, nutrition, and early ambulation. Patients were counseled by their outpatient providers and given an educational booklet. Pain management included gabapentin and acetaminophen immediately prior to spinal anesthesia. Postoperatively patients received scheduled acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Oxycodone was initiated as needed 24 hours after spinal analgesia. Preoperative diet consisted of clear carbohydrate drink consumed 2 hours prior to scheduled operative time with advancement as tolerated immediately postoperation. Women with a body mass index (BMI) <40 kg/m² and scheduled CD were eligible for ERAS. PRE patients were randomly selected from repeat cesarean deliveries (RCDs) at a single site from October 2017 to September 2018, BMI <40 kg/m², without trial of labor. The POST cohort included women who participated in ERAS from October 2018 to June 2019. PRE and POST demographic and clinical characteristics were compared. Primary outcome was total postoperative morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs). Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and maximum postoperative day 2 (POD2) pain score.

RESULTS

All women in PRE (n = 70) had RCD compared with 66.2% (49/74) in POST. Median total postoperative MMEs were 140.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 87.5-182.5) in PRE compared with 0.0 (IQR: 0.0-72.5) in POST (p < 0.001). Median LOS in PRE was 4.02 days (IQR: 3.26-4.27) compared with 2.37 days (IQR: 2.21-3.26) in POST (p < 0.001). Mean maximum POD2 pain score was 5.28 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.86) in PRE compared with 4.67 (SD = 1.63) in POST (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

ERAS protocol was associated with decreased postoperative opioid use, shorter LOS, and decreased pain after CD.

KEY POINTS

· ERAS protocol was associated with decreased postoperative opioid use after CD.. · ERAS protocol was associated with shorter length of stay after CD.. · ERAS protocol was associated with decreased postoperative pain after CD..

The effect of the enhanced recovery after surgery program on lung cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program is an effective evidence-based multidisciplinary protocol of perioperative care. However, the roles of ERAS in lung cancer surgery remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the short-term impact of the ERAS program on lung resection surgery, especially in relation to postoperative complications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases until October 2020 was performed to identify the studies that implemented an ERAS program in lung cancer surgery. The studies were selected and subjected to data extraction by 2 reviewers independently, which was followed by quality assessment. A random effects model was used to calculate overall effect sizes. Risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD), and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) served as the summary statistics for meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were subsequently performed.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies with 6,480 patients were included. The meta-analysis indicated that patients in the ERAS group had a significantly reduced risk of postoperative complications (RR =0.64; 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.78) and shortened postoperative length of stay (SMD=-1.58; 95% CI: -2.38 to -0.79) with a significant heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis showed that the risks of pulmonary (RR =0.58; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.75), cardiovascular (RR =0.73; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.89), urinary (RR =0.53; 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.88), and surgical complications (RR =0.64; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.97) were significantly lower in the ERAS group. No significant reduction was found in the in-hospital mortality (RD =0.00; 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.00) and readmission rate (RR =1.00; 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.32). In the qualitative review, most of the evidence reported significantly decreased hospitalization costs in the ERAS group.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of an ERAS program for surgery of lung cancer can effectively reduce risks of postoperative complications, length of stay, and costs of patients who have undergone lung cancer surgery without compromising their safety.

The Year in Thoracic Anesthesia: Selected Highlights From 2020

Selected highlights in thoracic anesthesia in 2020 include updates in the preoperative assessment and prehabilitation of patients undergoing thoracic surgery; updates in one-lung ventilation (OLV) pertaining to the devices used for OLV; the use of dexmedetomidine for lung protection during OLV and protective ventilation, recommendations for the care of thoracic surgical patients with coronavirus disease 2019; a review of recent meta-analyses comparing truncal blocks with paravertebral and thoracic epidural blocks; and a review of outcomes after initiating the enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines for lung and esophageal surgery.

Impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway on thoracoscopic lobectomy outcomes in non-small cell lung cancer patients: a propensity score-matched study

Background

This study evaluates the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways on postoperative outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients undergoing VATS lobectomy for NSCLC between January 2014 and October 2019 and assigned them to the relevant group (“pre-ERAS” or “ERAS”). Length of stay, readmissions and complications within 30 days were compared between both groups. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed based on sex, age, type of operation, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and preoperative pulmonary functions.

Results

A total of 307 records (164 male/143 female; 140 ERAS/167 pre-ERAS; median age: 67) were reviewed. There was no statistical difference in patient’s characteristics. Overall ERAS compliance was 81%. The ERAS group presented significantly shorter length of stay (median 5 vs. 7 days; P=0.004) without significant difference in cardiopulmonary complication rate (27.1% vs. 35.9%; P=0.1). Readmission (3.6% vs. 5.4%; P=0.75) and duration of drainage (median 2 vs. 3 days; P=0.14) were similar between groups. The propensity score-matched analysis showed that the length of hospital stay was reduced by 1.4 days (P=0.034) and the postoperative cardiopulmonary complication rate by 13% (P=0.044) in the ERAS group.

Conclusions

Adoption of an ERAS pathway for VATS lobectomies in NSCLC patients has decreased the length of hospital stay and the cardiopulmonary complication rate without affecting the readmission rate.

Impact of Compliance with an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program on the Outcomes Among Elderly Patients Undergoing Lumbar Fusion Surgery

Background and Aim

The benefits of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program to elderly patients have not been evaluated in lumbar fusion surgery. Compliance with the ERAS program is associated with prognosis. There is currently no adequate assessment about the importance of the individual components of ERAS program in lumbar fusion surgery. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of compliance with our ERAS program and the relative importance of the individual ERAS program components among elderly patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery.

Methods

A retrospective case-review study was conducted from March 2018 to March 2020. The ERAS program for lumbar fusion surgery at our department was implemented. Overall compliance was found to be 92.9%, and this was used as a cutoff for dividing patients into higher compliance and lower compliance groups. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

The overall compliance rate was 92.9%, distributing 91 patients into the higher compliance group and 169 patients into the lower compliance group. Patients with higher compliance were younger (p=0.045). The length of stay (LOS) of patients with higher compliance was significantly shorter than that of patients with lower compliance. Patients with higher compliance had significantly fewer complications (p=0.031). A multivariate analysis showed that surgical time (p=0.029), lower compliance (p=0.034), and early oral feeding (p=0.026) were predictors of any postoperative complications. On multivariate analysis, the following items remained correlated with prolonged LOS (LOS≥12 days): older age (p=0.010), lower compliance (p<0.0001), early ambulation (p=0.018), and stick to discharge criteria (p=0.040).

Conclusion

Low compliance with ERAS program among elderly patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery was associated with a higher incidence of complications and prolonged LOS. The failure of early oral feeding was associated with increased complications, and the failure of early ambulation or sticking to discharge criteria was significantly more influential on prolonged LOS.

Early postoperative day 0 chest tube removal using a digital drainage device protocol after thoracoscopic major pulmonary resection

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the safety of early chest tube removal on postoperative day 0 (POD 0) on the basis of a digital drainage device protocol in patients undergoing thoracoscopic major lung resection and its contribution as a component of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme.

METHODS

One hundred consecutive patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy were submitted to the following criteria for chest tube removal: Air flow ≤20 ml/min for at least 4 h without fluid threshold, except if haemorrhagic or chylous. Two groups were defined according to chest tube removal on POD 0 (G0) or POD ≥1 (G1). Primary outcome was pleural complication and secondary outcomes were cardiopulmonary complication, length of drainage, length of stay (LOS), compliance with opioid-free analgesic protocol and readmission. The follow-up was 90 days from discharge.

RESULTS

The chest tube was removed on POD 0 in 45% of patients (G0). None of them required tube reinsertion for pneumothorax and 1 patient was readmitted for a delayed pleural effusion. Among the 55% remaining patients (G1), the median length of drainage was 2 days, including 3 prolonged air leaks (>5 days). G0 and G1 were not different in terms of cardiopulmonary complication and readmission (6.6% vs 9% and 4.4% vs 7.2%, respectively). The median LOS was 1 day in G0 and 2 days in G1. The compliance with opioid-free analgesic protocol was significantly higher (75% vs 45%, P = 0.004) in G0 compared to G1.

CONCLUSIONS

Early POD 0 chest tube removal after thoracoscopic major pulmonary resection is safe in selected patients on the basis of a digital drainage device protocol. Also, it may contribute, by reducing early postoperative pain, to enhance postoperative recovery as part of an advanced enhanced recovery after surgery programme.

National survey of enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery practice in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Background

Evidence that Enhanced Recovery After Thoracic Surgery (ERAS) improves clinical outcomes is growing. Following the recent publications of the international ERAS guidelines in Thoracic surgery, the aim of this audit was to capture variation and perceived difficulties to ERAS implementation, thus helping its development at a national level.

Methods

We designed an anonymous online survey and distributed it via email to all 36 centres that perform lung lobectomy surgery in the UK and Ireland. It included 38 closed, open and multiple-choice questions on the core elements of ERAS and took an average of 10 min to complete.

Results

Eighty-two healthcare professionals from 34 out of 36 centres completed the survey; majority were completed by consultant thoracic surgeons (57%). Smoking cessation support varied and only 37% of individuals implemented the recommended period for fluid fasting; 59% screen patients for malnutrition and 60% do not give preoperative carbohydrate loading. The compliance with nerve sparing techniques when a thoracotomy is performed was poor (22%). 66% of respondents apply suction on intercostal drains and although 91% refer all lobectomies for physiotherapeutic assessment, the physiotherapy adjuncts varied across centres. Perceived barriers to implementation were staffing levels, lack of teamwork/consistency, limited resources over weekend and the reduced access to smoking cessation services.

Conclusion

Centres across the UK are working to develop the ERAS pathway. This survey aids this process by providing insight into “real life” ERAS, increasing exposure of staff to the ESTS- ERAS recommendations and identifying barriers to implementation.