Comparison of perioperative patient comfort with 'enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) approach' versus ‘traditional approach’ for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Perioperative anxiety, hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain along with nausea and vomiting can influence a patient's recovery after surgery. We aimed to compare 'enhanced recovery after surgery' (ERAS) protocol with a traditional perioperative approach to evaluate a patient's recovery after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A prospective randomised controlled study was conducted after institutional ethical clearance on 50 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and divided equally into two groups. In group 1 (traditional); standard fasting guidelines and routine perioperative management was implemented. In group 2 (ERAS); patients received appropriate multimedia information about surgery and anaesthesia besidecarbohydrate loading with tender coconut water on the previous night and on the morning of surgery. Standard guidelines of fasting for solids were followed. Intraoperatively, goal-directed fluid therapy and an inspired oxygen concentration of 60% were administered. Postoperatively, early diet and mobilisation were initiated. The primary outcome was the assessment of perioperative anxiety. Hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting and overall perioperative experience were also evaluated. RESULTS: ERAS group had reduced anxiety prior to surgery: median (interquartile range) 3 (3–4) vs 2 (2–3) (P = 0.003), and at 6 h postoperatively: 4 (3–6) vs 3 (1–4) (P = 0.001). Hunger, thirst and fatigue (P < 0.01) were also decreased with better overall perioperative experience (5 [4–5] vs 6 [5–7], P = 0.004). Pain, nausea, vomiting and blood glucose were similar between the groups. CONCLUSION: 'ERAS approach reduces anxiety in addition to hunger, thirst and fatigue with enhanced overall perioperative comfort in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.