Evaluating the role of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in colorectal surgery
1Dr Shahzada Amir Ahmed Babar, 2Dr Sohail Hameed, 3Dr Muhammad Zubair Siddiqui, 4Qamar Abbas, 5Rohit Kumar, 6Syed Muhammad Nadir Raza
1Associate Professor General Surgery, Bolan Medical College Quetta
2Assistant professor General Surgery, Shahida Islam Medical & Dental College, Lodhran
3Ibn-e-siena hospital & Research institute Multan
4PIMS Islamabad
5SMBBIT Karachi
6Fazaia Ruth Pfau Medical College & PAF hospital Faisal, Karachi
ABSTRACT:
Background: ERAS (Enhance Recovery After Surgery) protocols have been successfully implemented in a variety of surgical subspecialties to enhance patient outcomes, decrease length of hospital stay, and decrease post-operative occurrences. In elective colorectal surgery, there is a proven beneficial effect of the usage of ERAS protocols but these ERAS protocols have to be further examined in the local Dutch daily practice.
Aim: This study sought to assess whether the implementation of an ERAS protocol lead to better postoperative results in patients receiving surg for colorectal cancer.
Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from May 2024 to April 2025. We included 90 adult patients who received elective colorectal surgery. Patients were treated according to ERAS practice including preoperative patient counseling, optimized analgesia, early mobilization, and nutritional support. Postoperative course was evaluated by length of hospital stay, complication rate, length of time to return of bowel function, and readmission rate.
Results: The use of ERAS pathways led to an average length of hospital stay of 4.2 ± 1.1 days, compared with the historical controls. Postoperative morbidities occurred in 13.3% of patients, mostly minor infections, and no significant rise in readmission rates (5.6%). Early recovery of bowel movements occurred in 82.2% within the first 48 hours. Patient satisfaction was very high, 91% of which received the required care expressed positive feedback about recovery experience.
Conclusion: ERAS protocols for colorectal surgery greatly promoted postoperative recovery, shortened postoperative hospital stay, and decreased postoperative complications without increasing the readmission rates. The results support the implementation of ERAS protocols as a standard of care in colorectal surgical units.
Keywords: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, ERAS, colorectal surgery, postoperative recovery, hospital stay, patient outcomes, surgical protocols.