Effectiveness of the ERAS protocol (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) in ambulatory anesthesia

Abstract

Introduction: The ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol has demonstrated safety and efficacy in patient recovery after abdominal and colorectal surgery. However, there is limited evidence for its use in outpatient surgery. Aim: the aim of the present study was to compare the results of conventional postoperative care with the ERAS protocol in patients undergoing outpatient surgery. Methods: A total of 26 patients scheduled for outpatient abdominal surgery including colorectal procedures, the ERAS protocol was used compared with conventional perioperative care, recording the hours of stay, pain, nausea and postoperative vomiting, readmission and patient satisfaction. Results: The VAS score was lower (p0.05) and the level of satisfaction was higher (p0.05) in the ERAS group. The hours of hospital stay (p0.09) and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (p0.08) were comparable in both groups, with no readmission rate in any patient. Conclusion: the implementation of ERAS provides a lower intensity of pain and a higher level of satisfaction in the patient, decreases the hours of stay with less morbidity. Differences were less pronounced in postoperative complications and readmission; further studies are required to investigate the use of ERAS in outpatient surgery.