Optimizing Postoperative Outcomes in Abdominal Surgery: The Role of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols

Abstract

BACKGROUND The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to reduce surgical stress, enhance recovery, and minimize the length of hospital stays, thereby improving both clinical outcomes and the overall patient experience. The main objective of the study was to find the postoperative outcomes of abdominal surgery with respect to the role of ERAS protocols. METHODOLOGY Data was collected retrospectively from three governmental hospitals in Egypt between 2018 and 2020. A total of 1473 patients were enrolled according to the criteria of the study, 780 in the ERAS group and 693 in the non-ERAS group. RESULTS The mean age of patients in both groups was similar, with 55.4 (±10.2) years for the ERAS group and 54.8 (±9.8) years for the non-ERAS group. The gender distribution showed a slightly higher number of female patients in both groups. The average BMI was comparable between groups, with 26.3±4.5 kg/m² in the ERAS group and 26.5±4.7 kg/m² in the non-ERAS group. The time to first flatus was reduced from 52.3 (±10.4) hours in the non-ERAS group to 36.2±8.1 hours in the ERAS group (P < 0.001). Similarly, the time to first defecation was shorter in the ERAS group at 48.5±9.2 hours compared to 66.4±12.5 hours in the non-ERAS group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION ERAS protocols significantly improve postoperative outcomes in abdominal surgeries by reducing recovery times, complications, and hospital stays.