Reduced Length of Hospital Stay in Colorectal Surgery after Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol

Abstract

Implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol for colorectal surgery at a tertiary medical center was associated with a significantly reduced LOS and incidence of urinary tract infection. This is consistent with that of other studies in the literature and suggests that enhanced recovery programs could be implemented successfully and should be considered in U.S. hospitals.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) versus conventional postoperative care in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomies

“…ERAS protocol may be described as, "to standardize surgical process by preventing surgery-related trauma which discloses psychologic problems, and organ dysfunctions during surgery, and to provide the most possible treatment, and health care with resultant discharge of the patient as soon as possible" [2]. ERAS protocol is a composition of evidence-based findings which contains recommendations about patient care at different phases of operative process and requires a multidisciplinary approach practiced with professionals working in synergy so as to shorten postoperative recovery period of the patient [3,4]. Main purpose of the protocol is to decrease reactions of the patients to operative stress, postoperative morbidity, and mortality, hospital stay, and favorably effect www.…”

Perioperative Fluid Utilization Variability and Association With Outcomes

“…Although such a perioperative regimen has been shown to decrease length of stay (LOS) and improve outcomes, the successful implementation of these protocols requires patient engagement and multidisciplinary teamwork. 6 Acceptance and implementation of enhanced recovery principles has not been swift or widespread in the United States. The team approach to managing outcomes with multiple causative factors has been a challenge to gaining wide adoption of these principles.…”

“…Often a driver of postoperative LOS, POI develops less frequently in CRS populations with directed perioperative fluid management protocols. 6 Postoperative ileus also occurs after orthopedic operations. Although POI is considered a medical complication to the orthopedic patient and a surgical complication to the gastrointestinal surgery patient, the effect of POI on LOS and postoperative recovery is the same.…”

The effect of audio therapy to treat postoperative pain in children undergoing major surgery: a randomized controlled trial

“…We believe that costs associated with the audio intervention should not be considered a major barrier to implement the audio interventions to minimize pain in children undergoing major surgery. Improvement in analgesic control after surgery has been associated with improvements in important economic outcomes in the adult population such as reduction of hospital length of stay or unanticipated hospital readmission after surgery [20,21].…”