Applying Enhanced Recovery Pathways to Unique Patient Populations

The safety and effectiveness of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in older patients undergoing orthopedic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

To systematically review and analyze the safety and effectiveness of ERAS in older patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE (Ovid), Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and other databases to identify all randomized controlled studies and cohorts. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool and the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale to assess the study quality. A meta-analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighting method.

RESULTS

This study included 15 studies involving a total of 2591 older patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries with 1480 in the ERAS group. The ERAS group had a lower incidence of postoperative complications than the control group (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.42-0.65). Length of stay was 3.37 days lower in the ERAS group than in the control group (P < 0.01). And the ERAS protocol reduced the patient's postoperative VAS score (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, there was a lack of evidence of significant differences between the ERAS group and the control group in total bleeding and 30-day readmission rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the ERAS program in older patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries is safe and effective. However, there is still a lack of standardization of protocols across institutions and centers for orthopedic surgery for older patients. Identifying ERAS components that are beneficial to older patients and developing ERAS protocols that are appropriate for older adults may further improve outcomes.

The Impact of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol in a High-Risk Population Undergoing Colon Cancer Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Enhanced Recovery ERP protocols (ERP) have improved surgical outcomes in patients undergoing elective colon cancer (CC) surgery; however, efficacy in different populations may vary. We examined the impact of an ERP in a population with high rates of obesity and multiple comorbidities.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of factors associated with postoperative complications (PoC) and length of stay (LOS) following CC surgery from 2011 to 2019 in a 5-hospital healthcare system which serves a population with higher rates of obesity (body mass index ≥30kg/m2) and multi-comorbidities, as compared to published studies. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 408 elective CC surgery patients with complete oncologic surgical data were identified. Of these, 191 (46.81%) were under ERP. Factors independently associated with PoC included obesity (OR=1.66, P=.029), laparoscopic (OR=.52, P=.020), and hybrid (OR=.38, P=.012) versus open surgery and ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class ≥3 (OR=1.98, P=.006). ERP did not impact PoC but was associated with a reduction in LOS (β=-1.02 days, 95%CI: -1.75 - -.30, P=.006). ERP had an impact on LOS in both the non-obese and obese groups (P<.001 and P=.034, respectively). PoC significantly increased LOS (β=6.67 days, 95%CI: 5.41-7.03, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Following elective CC surgery, obesity and medical comorbidities were associated with increased PoC and in turn, as expected, increased LOS. ERP was associated with a reduction in LOS in both obese and non-obese patients. In high-risk populations, application of ERP may be particularly important to optimize surgical outcomes following CC surgery.

Implementation of Enhanced Recovery Protocols for Gastrointestinal Surgery in Children: Practical Tools From Key Stakeholders

INTRODUCTION

We explored patient, caregiver, and provider recommendations for development of a tool kit to implement enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) for pediatric patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. ERPs are widely used for adults to decrease hospital length of stay, hospital costs, and complications while hastening patient recovery after surgery. With limited data available for ERPs among pediatric populations informed modification of adult ERPs is needed to facilitate successful implementation for pediatric surgery.

METHODS

Using a qualitative research design, semistructured interviews were conducted with hospital-based teams including surgeons, anesthesiologists, gastroenterologists, nursing, and physician assistants. Four in-person focus groups were held at two pediatric hospitals with patients and caregivers. Codes were developed and applied to interview and focus groups transcripts for structural content analysis. Thematic analysis guided by the Active Implementation Framework, included recommendations that informed ERP implementation tool kit development.

RESULTS

Key components of the ERP tool kit included the need for a structured and systematic approach, leadership support from key champions, and buy-in from surgical partners and hospital management. Providers identified the need for multimodal educational materials on ERP elements for staff and patients; use of uniform checklists, care sets and an electronic repository to collect outcome data for quality assurance assessment. Patients and caregivers endorsed expansion of the team to include child-life specialists, nutritionists, and patient-parent supporters to help navigate the surgical experience.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to leverage key input from patients, caregivers, and providers to identify practical components for an ERP implementation tool kit for children undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

The Effect of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol on Pediatric Colorectal Surgical Patient Outcomes at a Single Institution

INTRODUCTION

Enhanced recovery protocols (ERP) have been associated with fewer postoperative complications in adult colorectal surgery patients, but there is a paucity of data on pediatric patients. Our aim is to describe the effect of an ERP, compared to conventional care, on pediatric colorectal surgical complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a single institution, retrospective cohort study (2014-2020) on pediatric (≤18 years old) colorectal surgery patients pre- and post-implementation of an ERP. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to assess the effect of an ERP on return visits to the emergency room, reoperation, and readmission within 30-days.

RESULTS

There were 194 patients included in this study, with 54 in the control cohort and 140 in the ERP cohort. There was no significant difference in the age, BMI, primary diagnosis, or use of laparoscopic technique between the cohorts. The ERP cohort had a significantly shorter foley duration, postoperative stay, and had nerve blocks performed. After controlling for pertinent covariates, the ERP cohort experienced higher odds of reoperation within 30 days (OR 5.83, P = .04). There was no significant difference in the other outcomes analyzed.

CONCLUSION

In this study, there was no difference in the odds of overall complications, readmission or return to the ER within 30-days of surgery. However, although infrequent, there were higher odds of returns to the OR within 30 days. Future studies are needed to analyze how adherence to individual components may influence patient outcomes to ensure patient safety during ERP implementation.

Incorporating Nutrition-Based Strategies into IBD Treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diet and nutrition have emerged as key factors in the development and course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including the approach to therapy. We present an overview of evidence-based recommendations and recent research in dietary therapy and nutrition management for patients with IBD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients with IBD should undergo a comprehensive nutrition assessment with the assistance of a registered dietitian (RD), including screening for micronutrient deficiencies. Multiple specialized whole foods and liquid formula diets have been evaluated as part of induction and maintenance therapy for IBD. Nutritional status should ideally be optimized in the perioperative setting as well. Nutritional issues are prevalent among IBD patients and should be addressed by a multidisciplinary team, tailored to each patient's disease type, severity and course, including response to medical therapy and need for surgical management, as well as relevant psychosocial considerations.

Enhanced Recovery Care versus Traditional Care after Surgery in Pediatric Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

This study reports the outcomes of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery. Children who underwent surgery for IBD at two academic referral centers from January 2016 to June 2021 were included. Preoperative counseling, early enteral feeding (Impact®, Nestlé Health Science, and early mobilization were all part of the ERAS protocol. The outcomes (timing of first defecation, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay (LOS)) were compared to traditional perioperative regimens (non-ERAS group). Thirty-three children who had 61 abdominal surgeries for IBD were included. Forty (65.5%) surgical procedures were included in the non-ERAS group, and 21 (34.5%) were included in the ERAS group. The postoperative complication rate was significantly lower in the ERAS group than in the non-ERAS group (29.6% vs. 55%, p = 0.049). The first defecation occurred earlier in the ERAS group than in the non-ERAS group (p < 0.001). There was no significant intergroup difference in the LOS. The implementation of ERAS in pediatric IBD surgery resulted in better outcomes than traditional perioperative care, especially in terms of postoperative complication rate and bowel function recovery. Further pediatric studies are needed to validate these findings and support ERAS application in children.

Cost Consequences of Age and Comorbidity in Accelerated Postoperative Discharge After Colectomy

BACKGROUND

Prospective payment models have incentivized reductions in length of stay after surgery. The benefits of abbreviated postoperative hospitalization could be undermined by increased readmissions or postacute care use, particularly for older adults or those with comorbid conditions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether hospitals with accelerated postsurgical discharge accrue total episode savings or incur greater postdischarge payments among patients stratified by age and comorbidity.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study.

SETTING

National data from the 100% Medicare Provider Analysis and Review files for July 2012 to June 2015 were used.

PATIENTS

We included Medicare beneficiaries undergoing elective colectomy and stratified the cohort by age (65-69, 70-79, ≥80 y) and Elixhauser comorbidity score (low: ≤0; medium: 1-5; and high: >5). Patients were categorized by the hospital's mode length of stay, reflecting "usual" care.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

In a multilevel model, we compared mean total episode payments and components thereof among age and comorbidity categories, stratified by hospital mode length of stay.

RESULTS

Among 88,860 patients, mean total episode payments were lower in shortest versus longest length of stay hospitals across all age and comorbidity strata and were similar between age groups (65-69 y: $28,951 vs $30,566, p = 0.014; 70-79 y: $31,157 vs $32,044, p = 0.073; ≥80 y: $33,779 vs $35,771, p = 0.005) but greater among higher comorbidity (low: $23,107 vs $24,894, p = 0.001; medium: $30,809 vs $32,282, p = 0.038; high: $44,097 vs $46641, p < 0.001). Postdischarge payments were similar among length-of-stay hospitals by age (65-69 y: ∆$529; 70-79 y: ∆$291; ≥80 y: ∆$872, p = 0.25) but greater among high comorbidity (low: ∆$477; medium: ∆$480; high: ∆$1059; p = 0.02).

LIMITATIONS

Administrative data do not capture patient-level factors that influence postacute care use (preference, caregiver availability).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitals achieving shortest length of stay after surgery accrue lower total episode payments without a compensatory increase in postacute care spending, even among patients at oldest age and with greatest comorbidity. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B624.

CONSECUENCIAS DE LA EDAD Y LAS COMORBILIDADES ASOCIADAS, EN EL COSTO DE LA ATENCIN EN PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A COLECTOMA EN PROGRAMAS DE ALTA POSOPERATORIA ACELERADA

ANTECEDENTES:Los modelos de pago prospectivo, han sido un incentivo para reducir la estancia hospitalaria después de la cirugía. Los beneficios de una hospitalización posoperatoria "abreviada" podrían verse afectados por un aumento en los reingresos o en la necesidad de cuidados postoperatorios tempranos luego del periodo agudo, particularmente en los adultos mayores o en aquellos con comorbilidades.OBJETIVO:Determinar si los hospitales que han establecido protocolos de alta posoperatoria "acelerada" generan un ahorro en cada episodio de atención o incurren en mayores gastos después del alta, entre los pacientes estratificados por edad y por comorbilidades.DISEÑO:Estudio transversal retrospectivo.AJUSTE:Revisión a partir de la base de datos nacional del 100% de los archivos del Medicare Provider Analysis and Review desde julio de 2012 hasta junio de 2015.PACIENTES:Se incluye a los beneficiarios de Medicare a quienes se les practicó una colectomía electiva. La cohorte se estratificó por edad (65-69 años, 70-79, ≥80) y por la puntuación de comorbilidad de Elixhauser (baja: ≤0; media: 1-5; y alta: > 5). Los pacientes se categorizaron de acuerdo con la modalidad de la duración de la estancia hospitalaria del hospital, lo que representa lo que se considera es una atención usual para dicho centro.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:En un modelo multinivel, comparamos la media de los pagos por episodio y los componentes de los mismos, entre las categorías de edad y comorbilidad, estratificados por la modalidad de la duración de la estancia hospitalaria.RESULTADOS:En los 88,860 pacientes, los pagos promedio por episodio fueron menores en los hospitales con una modalidad de estancia más corta frente a los de mayor duración, en todos los estratos de edad y comorbilidad, y fueron similares entre los grupos de edad (65-69: $28,951 vs $30,566, p = 0,014; 70-79: $31,157 vs $32,044, p = 0,073; ≥ 80 $33,779 vs $35,771, p = 0,005), pero mayor entre los pacientes con comorbilidades más altas (baja: $23,107 vs $24,894, p = 0,001; media $30,809 vs $32,282, p = 0,038; alta: $44,097 vs $46,641, p <0,001). Los pagos generados luego del alta hospitalaria fueron similares con relación a la estancia hospitalaria de los diferentes hospitales con respecto a la edad (65-69 años: ∆ $529; 70-79 años: ∆ $291; ≥80 años: ∆ $872, p = 0,25), pero mayores en aquellos con más alta comorbilidad (baja ∆ $477, medio ∆ $480, alto ∆ $1059, p = 0,02).LIMITACIONES:Las bases de datos administrativas no capturan los factores del paciente que influyen en el cuidado luego del estado posoperatorio agudo (preferencia, disponibilidad del proveedor del cuidado).CONCLUSIONES:Los hospitales que logran una estancia hospitalaria más corta después de la cirugía, acumulan pagos más bajos por episodio, sin un incremento compensatorio del gasto en la atención pos-aguda, incluso entre pacientes de mayor edad y con mayor comorbilidad. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B624. (Traducción-Dr Eduardo Londoño-Schimmer).

Age- and Sex-Specific Needs for Children Undergoing Inflammatory Bowel Disease Surgery: A Qualitative Study

INTRODUCTION

The use of enhanced recovery protocols (ERP) is extending to pediatric surgical populations, such as patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Given the variation in age- and sex-specific characteristics of pediatric IBD patients, it is important to understand the unique needs of subgroups, such as male versus female or preadolescent versus older patients, when implementing ERPs. We gathered clinician, patient, and caregiver perspectives on age- and sex-specific needs for children undergoing IBD surgery.

METHODS

We used semistructured interviews and focus groups to assess ERP needs and perceived differences in needs between preadolescent (10-13 y), older (14-19 y), male, and female IBD patients. Participants included clinicians, patients who had recent IBD surgery, and patients' caregivers.

RESULTS

Forty-eight clinicians, six patients, and eight caregivers participated. Three broad categories of themes emerged: concerns, needs, and experiences related to the (1) surgical care process; (2) continuum of IBD care; and (3) suggestions to make surgical care more patient centered. With regard to surgical care processes, stakeholders reported different communication needs for preadolescent and older children. Key themes about the continuum of IBD care were the need (1) for support from child life specialists and (b) to address young women's health issues. Suggestions to make surgical care more patient centered included providing older children with patient experiences that reflect their perspective as young adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the need to adopt a patient-centered approach for ERP use that actively addresses age- and sex-specific factors while engaging patients and caregivers as partners with clinicians to improve surgical care for children with IBD.

Comparison of outcome after right colectomy with an enhanced recovery programme in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and patients operated on for other conditions: a monocentric retrospective study

PURPOSE

Enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs) after surgery reduce postoperative complications and hospital stay. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often present risk factors for postoperative complications. This accounts for reluctance to include them in ERPs. We compared outcome after right colectomy with an ERP in IBD and non-IBD patients.

METHODS

In our GRACE colorectal surgery database comprising 508 patients, we analysed patients scheduled for right colectomy (n = 160). Adherence to the protocol, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay of IBD patients (n = 45) were compared with those of non-IBD patients (n = 115). Data (mean ± SD, median [IQR], count (%)) were compared by Student's t, Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests when appropriate; p < 0.05 taken as statistically significant.

RESULTS

IBD patients were significantly younger (38.9 ± 13.8 vs. 58.9 ± 18.5 years, p < 0.001) and had lower BMI (23.0 ± 5.0 vs. 25.1 ± 5.0 kg m^-2, p < 0.01). Adherence to ERP was similar in the two groups. Resumption of eating on the day of the operation was less well tolerated (73.3% vs. 85.2%, p < 0.05) and postoperative pain (p < 0.001) was greater in IBD patients. The incidence of postoperative complications (13.3% vs. 17.3%) and the length of hospital stay (3 [3-4.5] vs. 3 [2-5] days) were comparable in IBD and non-IBD patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The management of IBD patients in an ERP is not only feasible but also indicated. These patients benefit as much from ERP as non-IBD patients.

Effects of Race and Ethnicity on Diagnosis and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Although Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) have been considered as disorders that affect individuals of European ancestry, the epidemiology of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) is changing. Coupled with the increasing incidence of IBD in previously low-incidence areas, the population demographics of IBD in the United States are also changing, with increases among non-White races and ethnicities. It is therefore important to fully understand the epidemiology and progression of IBD in different racial and ethnic groups, and the effects of race and ethnicity on access to care, use of resources, and disease-related outcomes. We review differences in IBD development and progression among patients of different races and ethnicities, discussing the effects of factors such as access to care, delays in diagnosis, and health and disease perception on disparities in IBD care and outcomes. We identify research priorities for improving health equity among minority patients with IBD.