A Comparative Study of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program and None-ERAS Traditional Care in Elderly Patients Undergoing Lumbar Arthrodesis

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to analyze the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of an ERAS program in patients over 70 years undergoing lumbar arthrodesis by comparison with none-ERAS traditional care.Methods: During January 2018 to December 2018, patients enrolled received none-ERAS traditional care, while the ERAS program was implemented from January to December 2019. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, surgical data and postoperative recovery parameters were collected from all patients. Postoperative pain scores were evaluated by visual analog scales (VAS). The clinical outcomes were LOS, postoperative complications and postoperative pain scores. Compliance results were also collected.Result: A total of 127 patients were enrolled, including 67 patients in the none-ERAS traditional care group and 60 patients in the ERAS group. The demographic characteristics and comorbidities of the two groups showed no significant differences. The LOS of patients treated with ERAS program (13.6±4.0 days) was significantly less than that of patients treated with none-ERAS traditional care (15.6±3.9 days). Complication rate was 8.3% in the ERAS group versus 20.9% in the none-ERAS traditional care group (p = 0.048). VAS (back) in the ERAS group was significantly lower on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD2. Postoperative recovery parameters were improved in the ERAS group. The overall compliance with the ERAS program was 94%.Conclusions: Based on our results, ERAS program is safer and more effective for elderly patients over 70 undergoing lumbar arthrodesis than none-ERAS traditional care.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800020513. Registered 2 January 2018, http:// www.chictr.org.cn/ChiCTR1800020513