Are enhanced recovery protocols after pancreatoduodenectomy still efficient when applied in elderly patients? A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis investigated the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols compared to conventional care on postoperative outcomes in patients aged 70 years or older undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

Five databases were systematically searched. Comparative studies with available individual patient data (IPD) were included. The main outcomes were postoperative morbidity, length of stay, readmission and postoperative functional recovery elements. To assess an age-dependent effect, the group was divided in septuagenarians (70-79 years) and older patients (≥80 years).

RESULTS

IPD were obtained from 15 of 31 eligible studies comprising 1109 patients. The overall complication and major complication rates were comparable in both groups (OR 0.92 [95% CI: 0.65-1.29], p = .596 and OR 1.22 [95% CI: 0.61-2.46], p = .508). Length of hospital stay tended to be shorter in the ERAS group compared to the conventional care group (-0.14 days [95% CI: -0.29 to 0.01], p = .071) while readmission rates were comparable and the total length of stay including days in hospital after readmission tended to be shorter in the ERAS group (-0.28 days [95% CI: -0.62 to 0.05], p = .069). In the subgroups, the length of stay was shorter in octogenarians treated with ERAS (-0.36 days [95% CI: -0.71 to -0.004], p = .048). The readmission rate increased slightly but not significantly while the total length of stay was not longer in the ERAS group.

CONCLUSION

ERAS in the elderly is safe and its benefits are preserved in the care of even in patients older than 80 years. Standardized care protocol should be encouraged in all pancreatic centers.

Impact of enhanced recovery protocols after pancreatoduodenectomy: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This individual-patient data meta-analysis investigated the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols compared with conventional care on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched systematically for articles reporting outcomes of ERAS after pancreatoduodenectomy published up to August 2020. Comparative studies were included. Main outcomes were postoperative functional recovery elements, postoperative morbidity, duration of hospital stay, and readmission.

RESULTS

Individual-patient data were obtained from 17 of 31 eligible studies comprising 3108 patients. Time to liquid (mean difference (MD) -3.23 (95 per cent c.i. -4.62 to -1.85) days; P < 0.001) and solid (-3.84 (-5.09 to -2.60) days; P < 0.001) intake, time to passage of first stool (MD -1.38 (-1.82 to -0.94) days; P < 0.001) and time to removal of the nasogastric tube (3.03 (-4.87 to -1.18) days; P = 0.001) were reduced with ERAS. ERAS was associated with lower overall morbidity (risk difference (RD) -0.04, 95 per cent c.i. -0.08 to -0.01; P = 0.015), less delayed gastric emptying (RD -0.11, -0.22 to -0.01; P = 0.039) and a shorter duration of hospital stay (MD -2.33 (-2.98 to -1.69) days; P < 0.001) without a higher readmission rate.

CONCLUSION

ERAS improved postoperative outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy. Implementation should be encouraged.

Exploring the lengthiest ambulatory breast surgery clinic appointments: is the patient the problem?

Background

Prolonged outpatient clinic appointments can disrupt schedules, impacting patients and providers. We sought to define features of the longest ambulatory appointments in a breast surgery clinic, and to ascertain whether patients attending these appointments consistently have protracted appointments.

Methods

A single-institution retrospective cohort study was conducted of breast surgery clinic patients, January 2017 to May 2019, and the longest 1% of appointments identified using a real-time patient tracking system. A primary chart review was performed, and data abstracted. Other appointments attended by these patients were identified, and the ratio of appointments >75th percentile duration (protracted appointments) to the total appointments during the study period was calculated, enabling comparison for patients with consistently protracted (ratio >50%) vs. sporadically protracted appointments (≤50%). Descriptive analysis was performed, and results reported as medians with inter-quartile ranges.

Results

A total of 15,265 clinic appointments were identified, and the longest 148 (exceeding 244 minutes) analyzed. Median appointment length was 264 minutes (inter-quartile range: 253-290). 70% were new patient appointments, and 54% of patients underwent a test/investigation that day. A minority were obese (39%), smokers (41%), diagnosed with a psychiatric comorbidity (34%), had a genetic cancer syndrome (22%), or received unexpected news at their appointment (16%). Of 118 patients with multiple appointments, 26% had consistently protracted appointments and 74% sporadically protracted appointments.

Conclusions

The lengthiest appointments are usually newly diagnosed cancer patients. Only a minority of patients have consistently protracted appointments, implying that a patient's previously prolonged appointment may not predict future long appointments.

Economic Analysis of Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Compared with Chemotherapy in Resected Pancreas Cancer

BACKGROUND

Population-based survival and costs of pancreas adenocarcinoma patients receiving adjuvant chemoradiation and chemotherapy following pancreaticoduodenectomy are poorly understood.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used linked administrative and pathological datasets to identify all patients diagnosed with pancreas adenocarcinoma and undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy in Ontario between April 2004 and March 2014, who received postoperative chemoradiation or chemotherapy. Stage and margin status were defined by using pathology reports. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression survival analyses were used to determine associations between adjuvant treatment approach and survival, while stratifying by margin status. Median overall health system costs were calculated at 1 and 3 years for chemoradiation and chemotherapy, and differences were tested using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Among 709 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreas cancer during the study period, the median survival was 21 months. Median survival was 19 months for chemoradiation and 22 months for chemotherapy. Patients receiving chemoradiation were more likely to have positive margins: 47.7% compared with 19.2% in chemotherapy. After stratifying by margin status and controlling for confounders, adjusted hazard ratio of death were not statistically different between chemotherapy and chemoradiation [margin positive, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.88-1.27; margin negative, HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.91-1.18]. Overall 1-year health system costs were significantly higher for chemoradiation (USD $70,047) than chemotherapy (USD $54,005) (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy and chemoradiation yielded similar survival, but chemoradiation resulted in higher costs. To create more sustainable healthcare systems, both the efficacy and costs of therapies should be considered.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Regional Metastasis to Axilla or Groin Lymph Nodes: a Multicenter Outcome Analysis

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the trunk/extremities with nodal metastasis represents a rare but significant clinical challenge. Treatment patterns and outcomes are poorly described.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with cSCC who developed axilla/groin lymph node metastasis and underwent curative-intent surgery between 2005 and 2015 were identified at four Canadian academic centers. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment patterns, recurrence rates, and mortality were described. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Predictors of survival and any recurrence were explored using Cox regression and logistic regression models, respectively.

RESULTS

Of 43 patients, 70% were male (median age 74 years). Median follow-up was 38 months. Median time to nodal metastasis was 11.3 months. Thirty-one and 12 patients had nodal metastasis to the axilla and groin, respectively. A total of 72% and 7% received adjuvant and neoadjuvant radiation, respectively, while 5% received adjuvant chemotherapy. Following surgery, 26% patients developed nodal and/or distant disease recurrence. Crude mortality rate was 39.5%. Mean OS was 5.3 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9-6.8 years], and 5-year OS was 55.1%. Mean DFS was 4.8 years (95% CI 3.3-6.2 years), and five-year DFS was 49.3%. Any recurrence was the only independent predictor of death [p = 0.036, odds ratio (OR) = 29.5], and extracapsular extension (p = 0.028, OR = 189) and age (p = 0.017, OR = 0.823) were independent predictors of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

This represents the largest contemporary series to date of outcomes for patients with axilla/groin nodal metastases from cSCC. Despite aggressive treatment, outcomes remain modest, indicating the need for a continued multidisciplinary approach and integration of new systemic agents.

Cost of open and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: surgeon perceptions versus the reality of hospital spending

BACKGROUND

Rising health care costs have led to increasing focus on cost containment and accountability from health care providers. We sought to explore surgeon awareness of supply costs for open and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

METHODS

Surveys were sent in 2015 to surgeons at 8 academic hospitals in Toronto who performed distal gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Respondents were asked to estimate the total cost, type and number of disposable equipment pieces required to perform open and laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. We determined the accuracy of estimates through comparisons with procedural invoices for distal gastrectomy performed between Jan. 1, 2011, and Dec. 31, 2015. All values are in 2015 Canadian dollars.

RESULTS

Of the 53 surveys sent out, 12 were completed (response rate 23%). Surgeon estimates of total supply costs ranged from $500 to $3000 and from $1500 to $5000 for open and laparoscopic cases, respectively. Estimated supply costs for requested equipment ranged from $464 to $2055 for open cases and from $1870 to $2960 for laparoscopic cases. Invoices for actual equipment yielded a mean of $821 (standard deviation $543) (range $89-$2613) for open cases and $2678 (standard deviation $958) (range $835-$4102) for laparoscopic cases. Estimates of total cost were within 25% of the median invoice total in 1 response (9%) for open cases and 3 (27%) of those for laparoscopic cases.

CONCLUSION

Respondents failed to accurately estimate equipment costs. The variation in true total costs and estimates of supply costs represents an opportunity for intraoperative cost minimization, efficient equipment selection and value-based purchasing arrangements.

Changes in preoperative endoscopic and percutaneous bile drainage in patients with periampullary cancer undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy in Ontario: effect on clinical practice of a randomized trial

Background

In 2010, a multicentre randomized controlled trial reported increased postoperative complications in pancreaticoduodenectomy (pde) patients undergoing preoperative biliary decompression (pbd). We evaluated the effect of that publication on rates of pbd at the population level.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study identified patients undergoing pde for malignancy, 2005-2013, linking them with administrative health care databases covering medical services for a population of 13.5 million. Patients undergoing pbd within 6 weeks before their surgery were identified using physician billing codes and were divided into those undergoing pde before and after article publication, with a 6-month washout period. Chi-square tests were used to compare rates of pbd.

Results

Of 1997 pde patients identified, 963 underwent surgery before article publication, and 911, after (123 during the washout period). The rate of pbd was 47.5% before publication, and 41.6% after (p = 0.01). The lowest pbd rates occurred immediately after publication, in 2010 and 2011. Similar results were observed when the cohort was restricted to patients seen preoperatively by a gastroenterologist (n = 1412).

Conclusions

Rates of pbd have declined a small, but significant, amount after randomized trial publication. Persistence of pbd might relate to suboptimal knowledge translation, the role of pbd in diagnosis of periampullary malignancy, and treatment of complications (cholangitis, severe hyperbilirubinemia) or anticipation of delay from diagnosis to surgery. The nadir in pbd rates after article publication and the subsequent rise suggest an element of transience in the effect of article publication on clinical practice. Further investigation into the reasons for persistent pbd is needed.

The economics of recovery after pancreatic surgery: detailed cost minimization analysis of an enhanced recovery program

BACKGROUND

Clinical pathways (CPW) are considered safe and effective at decreasing postoperative length of stay (LoS), but the effect on economic costs is uncertain. This study sought to elucidate the effect of a CPW on direct hospitalization costs for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

A CPW for PD patients at a single Canadian institution was implemented. Outcomes included LoS, 30-day readmissions, and direct costs of hospital care. A retrospective cost minimization analysis compared patients undergoing PD prior to and following CPW implementation, using a bootstrapped t test and deviation-based cost modeling.

RESULTS

121 patients undergoing PD after CPW implementation were compared to 74 controls. Index LoS was decreased following CPW implementation (9 vs. 11 days, p = 0.005), as was total LoS (10 vs. 11 days, p = 0.003). The mean total cost of postoperative hospitalization per patient decreased in the CPW group ($15,678.45 CAD vs. $25,732.85 CAD, p = 0.024), as was the mean 30-day cost including readmissions ($16,627.15 CAD vs. $29,872.72 CAD, p = 0.016). Areas of significant cost savings included laboratory tests and imaging investigations.

CONCLUSIONS

CPWs may generate cost savings by reducing unnecessary investigations, and improve quality of care through process standardization and decreasing practice variation.

The impact of a clinical pathway on patient postoperative recovery following pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomies (PD) are complex surgical procedures. Clinical pathways (CPW) are surgical process improvement tools that guide postoperative recovery and are associated with high quality care. Our objective was to report the quality of surgical care following implementation of a CPW.

METHODS

We developed and implemented a CPW for patients undergoing PD at a single high volume hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) centre. Patient outcomes were collected prospectively during the implementation period. A comparator cohort was selected by identifying patients that underwent a PD prior to CPW development.

RESULTS

122 patients underwent a PD during the CPW implementation period; 83 patients were initiated on the CPW. 74 patients underwent PD during the 12-month period prior to the CPW. The median hospital stay decreased after the implementation of the CPW (11 vs 8 days, p < 0.01) with no significant changes to mortality, morbidity, reoperation, or readmission rates. In-hospital complications were significantly higher in patients that were not initiated on the CPW (54% vs 74%, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest the CPW reduced variability and allowed a greater proportion of patients to receive all elements of care, resulting in improved quality and efficiency of care based on current best evidence recommendations.

The Impact of Increasing Hospital Volume on 90-Day Postoperative Outcomes Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Performance of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in high-volume centers has been posited to improve postoperative morbidity and mortality, consistent with the volume-outcomes hypothesis. We sought to evaluate the impact of hospital volume on 90-day PD outcomes at hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) centers within a regionalized system.

METHODS

A retrospective population-based observational cohort study was performed, using administrative records of patients undergoing PD between 2005 and 2013 in Ontario, Canada. Postoperative administrative codes were used to define complications. Patients' 90-day postoperative outcomes were compared between center-volume categories using chi-square tests and multivariable regression. Volume cutoffs were defined using minimal regional standards (20PD/year), with assessment of the impact of further volume increases.

RESULTS

Of 2660 patients, 2563 underwent PD at HPB centers. Of these, 38.9% underwent surgery at higher-volume centers (>40 PD/year), 36.9% at medium-volume centers (20-39 PD/year), and 24.1% at lower-volume centers (10-19 PD/year). Mortality (30- and 90-day) was lowest at higher-volume hospitals (1.5%, 2.7%, respectively) compared to medium-volume (3.9%, 6.3%) and lower-volume hospitals (2.9%, 5.2%) (p < 0.01). Patients treated at higher- and medium-volume centers had lower reoperation rates (10.3%, 10.7% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.0002) and less prolonged length of stay (23.2%, 22.0% vs. 31.6%, p < 0.0001) compared to lower-volume centers.

CONCLUSION

Progressive increases in hospital volume correspond to improved 90-day outcomes following PD.

Predictors of adjuvant treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma at the population level

BACKGROUND

In the present study, we aimed to describe, at the population level, patterns of adjuvant treatment use after curative-intent resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (pcc) and to identify independent predictors of adjuvant treatment use.

METHODS

In this observational cohort study, patients undergoing pcc resection in the province of Ontario (population 13 million) during 2005-2010 were identified using the provincial cancer registry and were linked to administrative databases that include all treatments received and outcomes experienced in the province. Patients were defined as having received chemotherapy (ctx), chemoradiation (crt), or observation (obs). Clinicopathologic factors associated with the use of ctx, crt, or obs were identified by chi-square test. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of adjuvant treatment versus obs, and ctx versus crt.

RESULTS

Of the 397 patients included, 75.3% received adjuvant treatment (27.2% crt, 48.1% ctx) and 24.7% received obs. Within a single-payer health care system with universal coverage of costs for ctx and crt, substantial variation by geographic region was observed. Although the likelihood of receiving adjuvant treatment increased from 2005 to 2010 (p = 0.002), multivariate analysis revealed widespread variation between the treating hospitals (p = 0.001), and even between high-volume hepatopancreatobiliary hospitals (p = 0.0006). Younger age, positive lymph nodes, and positive surgical resection margins predicted an increased likelihood of receiving adjuvant treatment. Among patients receiving adjuvant treatment, positive margins and a low comorbidity burden were associated with crt compared with ctx.

CONCLUSIONS

Interinstitutional medical practice variation contributes significantly to differential patterns in the rate of adjuvant treatment for pcc. Whether such variation is warranted or unwarranted requires further investigation.

Negative predictive value of preoperative computed tomography in determining pathologic local invasion, nodal disease, and abdominal metastases in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Before undergoing curative-intent resection of gastric adenocarcinoma (ga), most patients undergo abdominal computed tomography (ct) imaging to determine contraindications to resection (local invasion, distant metastases). However, the ability to detect contraindications is variable, and the literature is limited to single-institution studies. We sought to assess, on a population level, the clinical relevance of preoperative ct in evaluating the resectability of ga tumours in patients undergoing surgery.

METHODS

In a provincial cancer registry, 2414 patients with ga diagnosed during 2005-2008 at 116 institutions were identified, and a primary chart review of radiology, operative, and pathology reports was performed for all patients. Preoperative abdominal ct reports were compared with intraoperative findings and final pathology reports (reference standard) to determine the negative predictive value (npv) of ct in assessing local invasion, nodal involvement, and intra-abdominal metastases.

RESULTS

Among patients undergoing gastrectomy, the npv of ct imaging in detecting local invasion was 86.9% (n = 536). For nodal metastasis, the npv of ct was 43.3% (n = 450). Among patients undergoing surgical exploration, the npv of ct for intra-abdominal metastases was 52.3% (n = 407).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative abdominal ct imaging reported as negative is most accurate in determining local invasion and least accurate in nodal assessment. The poor npv of ct should be taken into account when selecting patients for staging laparoscopy.

Regional variation in the management of metastatic gastric cancer in Ontario

BACKGROUND

Geographic variation in cancer care is common when clear clinical management guidelines do not exist. In the present study, we sought to describe health care resource consumption by patients with metastatic gastric cancer (gc) and to investigate the possibility of regional variation.

METHODS

In this population-based cohort study of patients with stage iv gastric adenocarcinoma diagnosed between 1 April 2005 and 31 March 2008, chart review and administrative health care data were linked to study resource utilization outcomes (for example, clinical investigations, treatments) in the province of Ontario. The study took a health care system perspective with a 2-year time frame. Chi-square tests were used to compare proportions of resource utilization, and analysis of variance compared mean per-patient resource consumption between geographic regions.

RESULTS

A cohort of 1433 patients received 4690 endoscopic investigations, 12,033 computed tomography exams, 12,774 radiography exams, and 5059 ultrasonography exams. Nearly all patients were seen by a general practitioner (98%) and a specialist (99%), and were hospitalized (95%) or visited the emergency department (87%). Fewer than half received chemotherapy (43%), gastrectomy (37%), or radiotherapy (28%). The mean number of clinical investigations, physician visits, hospitalizations, and instances of patient accessing the emergency department or receiving radiotherapy or stent placement varied significantly by region.

CONCLUSIONS

Variations in health care resource utilization for metastatic gc patients are observed across the regions of Ontario. Whether those differences reflect differential access to resources, patient preference, or physician preference is not known. The observed variation might reflect a lack of guidelines based on high-quality evidence and could partly be ameliorated with regionalization of gc care to high-volume centres.

Understanding Perioperative Transfusion Practices in Gastrointestinal Surgery-a Practice Survey of General Surgeons

BACKGROUND

Despite guidelines recommending restrictive red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) strategies, perioperative transfusion practices still vary significantly. To understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to gaps in practice, we sought to assess the attitudes of surgeons regarding the perioperative management of anemia and use of RBCT in patients having gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a self-administered Web-based survey of general surgery staff and residents, in a network of eight academic institutions at the University of Toronto. We developed a questionnaire using a systematic approach of items generation and reduction. We tested face and content validity and test-retest reliability. We administered the survey via emails, with planned reminders.

RESULTS

Total response rate was 48.1 % (62/125). Half (51.0 %) of respondents stated that they were unlikely to conduct a preoperative anemia work-up. About 54.0 % reported ordering preoperative oral iron supplementation for anemia. Most respondents indicated using a 70 g/L hemoglobin trigger (92.0 %) for transfusion. Factors increasing thresholds above 70 g/L included cardiac comorbidity (58.0 %), acute cardiac disease (94.0 %), symptomatic anemia (68.0 %), and suspected bleeding (58.0 %). With those factors, the transfusion threshold often increased above 90 g/L. Respondents perceived RBCTs to increase the postoperative morbidity (62 %), but not to impact the mortality (48 %) and cancer recurrence (52 %). Institutional protocols (68.0 %), blood conservation clinics (44.0 %), and clinical practice guidelines (84.0 %) were believed to encourage restrictive use of RBCTs.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported perioperative transfusion practices for GI surgery are heterogeneous. Few respondents investigated preoperative anemia. Stated use of RBCT indications varied from recommendations in published guidelines for patients with symptomatic anemia. Establishing team consensus and implementing local blood management guidelines appear necessary to improve uptake of evidence-based recommendations.

The association of adjuvant therapy with survival at the population level following pancreatic adenocarcinoma resection

BACKGROUND

Using a retrospective observational cohort approach, the overall survival (OS) following curative-intent resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) was defined at the population level according to adjuvant treatment, and predictors of OS were identified.

METHODS

Patients undergoing resection of PC in the province of Ontario between 2005 and 2010 were identified using the provincial cancer registry, and linked to databases that include all treatments received and outcomes experienced in the province. Pathology reports were abstracted for staging and margin status. Patients were identified as having received chemotherapy (CT), chemoradiation therapy (CRT), or no adjuvant treatment (NAT). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of patients surviving ≥ 6 months was performed, and predictors of OS identified by log-rank test. Cox multivariable analysis was used to define independent predictors of OS.

RESULTS

Among the 473 patients undergoing PC resection, the median survival was 17.8 months; for the 397 who survived ≥ 6 months following surgery, the 5-year OS for the CT, CRT, and NAT groups was 21%, 16%, and 17%, respectively (p = 0.584). Lymph node-negative patients demonstrated improved OS associated with chemotherapy on multivariable analysis (HR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.25-3.83 for NAT vs. CT).

CONCLUSIONS

Following PC resection, only patients with negative lymph nodes demonstrated improved OS associated with adjuvant chemotherapy.

Enhanced recovery after pancreatic surgery: a systematic review of the evidence

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to reduce hospital stay without compromising outcomes. Attempts to apply ERAS principles in the context of pancreatic surgery have generated encouraging results. A systematic review of the current evidence for ERAS following pancreatic surgery was conducted.

METHODS

A literature search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library was performed for articles describing postoperative clinical pathways in pancreatic surgery during the years 2000-2013. The keywords 'clinical pathway', 'critical pathway', 'fast-track', 'pancreas' and 'surgery' and their synonyms were used as search terms. Articles were selected for inclusion based on predefined criteria and ranked for quality. Details of the ERAS protocols and relevant outcomes were extracted and analysed.

RESULTS

Ten articles describing an ERAS protocol in pancreatic surgery were identified. The level of evidence was graded as low to moderate. No articles reported an adverse effect of an ERAS protocol for pancreatic surgery on perioperative morbidity or mortality. Length of stay (LoS) was decreased and readmission rates were found to be unchanged in six of seven studies that compared these outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence indicates that ERAS protocols may be implemented in pancreatic surgery without compromising patient safety or increasing LoS. Enhanced recovery after surgery programmes in the context of pancreatic surgery should be standardized based upon the best available evidence, and trials of ERAS programmes involving multiple centres should be performed.