Intra- and post-operative outcomes in benign gynaecologic surgeries before and after the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols: A comparison

OBJECTIVE: To compare intra- and post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing benign gynaecologic surgery before and after the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. INTRODUCTION: ERAS is a multidisciplinary teamwork with the aim to reduce the body’s reaction to surgical stress. The key components of ERAS include pre-operative counselling, avoiding prolonged fasting, standardised analgesic and anaesthetic regimes, early mobilisation and early discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women undergoing hysterectomy and myomectomy were included in the study. The pre-ERAS group had 100 cases and the ERAS group had 104. Demographic data of both the groups were compared. Duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, intra-abdominal drain, oral feed, catheter removal, ambulation, passage of flatus and length of stay were compared. RESULTS: The demographic profiles of both the groups were comparable. Time taken to intake of liquids (P < 0.001), solid food (P < 0.001), passage of flatus (P = 0.001), removal of Foley’s catheter (P = 0.023), ambulation (P = 0.007), pain score (P = 0.001) and length of stay in hospital (P < 0.001) were statistically significantly shorter in the ERAS group when compared to the pre-ERAS group. A significant difference was seen in the use of intraperitoneal drains in the ERAS group (81% vs. 23.1%), and if used, drains were removed early in the ERAS group (66.66% vs. 28.39%) within 40 h. Both the groups had similar intra- and immediate post-operative complications. CONCLUSION: ERAS helps in reducing length of stay with early feeding and ambulation, leading to early discharge without increase in intra- and post-operative complications in women undergoing benign gynaecological surgeries.