Existing practice of perioperative management of colorectal surgeries in a regional cancer institute and compliance with ERAS guidelines

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in colorectal surgery has been shown to result in reduced rates of postoperative complications and length of stay (LOS) in the hospital. Although there is clear guideline and evidences available, their implementation into daily clinical practice faces some difficulties. We aimed to audit the existing practice of perioperative care in colorectal surgeries and find out the adherence to ERAS protocol. METHODS: We collected data from medical record of 215 patients undergoing colorectal surgery in a regional cancer institute of eastern India. The patient data were retrospectively collected, which included, demographic data, adherence to major components of ERAS pathway, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: The median LOS after surgery was 9 days (interquartile range [IQR] 6-12.75). Approximately, 15% patients had postoperative complications. We found good adherence (more than 80%) to certain elements of ERAS such as preoperative counseling and nutritional assessments, selective bowel preparation, antibiotic and antithrombotic prophylaxis, etc. CONCLUSION: The audit revealed that compliance to individual ERAS elements were variable, which needed urgent modification for better adherence to ERAS guidelines.