Are we ready for the ERAS protocol in colorectal surgery?

[Investigation and Analysis of the Implementation Status of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in the Context of Precision Nursing in Xinjiang]

Objective

To investigate the current status of surgical nurses' implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concepts in the context of precision nursing in Xinjiang and to provide a basis for the development of precision nursing of ERAS.

Methods

By way of convenience sampling, surgical nurses from 8 tertiary-care hospitals were involved in a survey on their ERAS implementation status in March and April 2023 and the results were collected by online questionnaire.

Results

A total of 985 valid questionnaires were collected. Out of the 8 hospitals covered in the survey, the orthopedics departments of 7 hospitals have implemented ERAS concepts, accounting for 87.50%. The average score for the ERAS Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Questionnaire among the surgical nurses was (182.98±17.69), of which, the average score for ERAS knowledge was (13.08±1.51), the average score for ERAS attitude was (88.75±8.30), and the average score for ERAS practice was (81.15±11.96). A total of 61.02% of the surgical nurses implemented ERAS pathways that concentrated on 4-6 pathways, with the prevention of postoperative ileus after surgery being the most commonly implemented pathway, accounting for 498 (50.56%) surgical nurses. A total of 78.48% of the nurses considered work overload to be the most important obstacle to implementing ERAS in the context of precision nursing. Poor multidisciplinary team collaboration and poor awareness of implementation among the nurses ranked the second and the third, accounting for 74.92% and 71.57%, respectively, of the surgical nurses.

Conclusion

ERAS has won the approval of surgical nurses in Xinjiang, but it is still not widely implemented in all surgical fields. In addition, the quantity and quality of ERAS pathways implemented still need to be further improved. The development of ERAS in the context of precision nursing remains a long-term challenge.

ERAS vs. Traditional Protocol in Patients Who Had Radical Cystectomy with Ileal Conduit: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of 182 Cases

Objective

To examine the effects of ERAS protocol application on hospital stay, postoperative antibiotic use, and gastrointestinal recovery time in radical cystectomy patients with ileal conduit.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 182 patients (112 traditional vs. 72 ERAS) who underwent radical cystectomy (RC) with ileal conduit between November 2017 and December 2020. Patients were compared in terms of time to start enteral feeding (SEF), length of hospital stay (LOS), time to first stool, duration of postoperative intravenous antibiotic use, postoperative ileus rate, and serum albumin levels.

Results

The traditional and ERAS groups contained 112 and 72 patients, respectively. LOS (14.79 ± 6.44 vs. 10.44 ± 4.64 days, p=0.003), first stool time (4.43 ± 2.39 vs. 2.89 ± 1.81 days, p=0.011), and duration of postoperative intravenous antibiotic use (8.79 ± 5.17 vs. 4.61 ± 4.90, p=0.004) were to be found significantly shorter in the ERAS group.

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, the ERAS protocol shortened the length of hospital stay, duration of antibiotic use, and time of first stool in patients who underwent RC with ileal conduit.

Perception and implementation status of enhanced recovery after surgery

Background: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program that is being implemented in Korea is difficult to investigate because it is not a standardized protocol with a unified content, and it instead differs according to the details for each hospital. Herein, the author would like to introduce and analyze the results of a recently conducted large-scale survey on the current status and perception of the ERAS program in Korea among large domestic hospitals.Current Concepts: Surveys of domestic general surgeons in 2019 and hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgeons in 2020 both showed lower-than-expected response rates of less than 50% in questions related to perception and clinical implementation of the ERAS program. Thus, implementation of ERAS items related to the limited application of preoperative fasting and surgical drain insertion and active nutritional support before and after surgery remains low.Discussion and Conclusion: For surgeons in Korea, the implementation of ERAS programs and perception levels were low. In this regard, it is necessary to improve awareness through systematic education and promotion of the ERAS program, and supplementation of related multidisciplinary professional manpower and financial resources is essential to facilitate practical implementation of ERAS programs in clinical practice.

Comparison of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol and conventional approach after laparoscopic transperitoneal radical prostatectomy: a retrospective analysis

Background

Although open radical prostatectomy has been used in the treatment of localized prostate cancer for a long time, minimally invasive surgical approaches such as laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy have recently gained importance in order to improve postoperative results and shorten hospital stay. Although the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol was first defined for gastrointestinal surgeries in 2001, it has now been used in gynecological, orthopedic, thoracic and urological surgeries. In our study, we aimed to compare the results of the ERAS protocol with the conventional approach in patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Methods

There is a retrospective analysis of 70 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at Kayseri City Hospital between May 2018 and January 2021. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 25.0 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA). Seventy patients were included in the study. While 48 patients who underwent perioperative care with the traditional approach were included in the conventional group, 22 patients were included in the ERAS group. Age, comorbidities, preoperative PSA level, digital rectal examination findings, preoperative imaging, extra prostatic spread and lymph node involvement, location of tumors, time between biopsy and surgery, lymphadenectomy status, and histopathological findings of transrectal ultrasound biopsy and prostatectomy specimens were recorded for each patient. Initiation of enteral feeding, time to first defecation, duration of antibiotic use, ileus development rate and length of hospital stay (LOS) were compared for both groups.

Results

The mean age of 48 patients in the conventional group was 63.37 ± 7.01 years, while the mean age of 22 patients in the ERAS group was 66.36 ± 5.31 years (p = 0.080). Although the first defecation time was shorter in the ERAS group (4.75 ± 3.21 vs. 3.73 ± 2.12 days, p = 0.179), there was no statistically significant difference. Ileus developed in 10 (20.8%) patients in the conventional group and 2 (9.1%) in the ERAS group. Use of antibiotics in the postoperative period in the conventional group (5.83 ± 3.62 vs. 3.18 ± 2.42 days, p = 0.003) and LOS (7.92 ± 3.26 vs. 5.91 ± 2, 15 days, p = 0.011) were statistically significantly longer.

Conclusion

In summary, ERAS protocol is associated with short LOS, time to initiation of enteral feeding and duration of antibiotics use. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of ileus and time to first defecation between the two groups. Randomized prospective studies on heterogeneous and larger patient groups are needed to confirm our findings.

Clinical efficacy of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Objective

To evaluate the application of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 136 patients who underwent RALP between August 2017 and June 2018 as the control group and a prospective analysis of 106 patients who underwent RALP between January 2019 and January 2020 as the ERAS group. ERAS focused on preoperative education, nutritional intervention, electrolyte solution intake, restrictive fluid infusion, body warming, no indwelling central venous catheter, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), early mobilization, and eating recovery.

Results

The times from RALP to the first intake of clear liquid; first ambulation; first defecation; first fluid, semi-liquid, and general diet; drain removal; and length of hospital stay (LOS) were significantly shorter, and operative time, fluid infusion within 24 hours, postoperative day (POD) 1 albumin, POD 1 hemoglobin, and POD 2 drainage were significantly higher in the ERAS group. Five patients (3.8%) in the ERAS group developed postoperative complications (urine leakage, n = 4; intestinal obstruction, n = 1), while 1 patient (0.7%) in the control group developed intestinal obstruction.

Conclusions

ERAS effectively accelerated patient rehabilitation and reduced the LOS for patients undergoing RALP.

Application of ERAS protocol in esophagectomy: a national survey among Italian centers performing esophageal surgery

The application of enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines for esophageal surgery in different units remains unclear. This survey intended to investigate how such protocol is applied among Italian esophageal surgery units. A survey with 40 questions was mailed to Italian centers that performed at least 10 esophagectomies per year. It included questions about the type of hospital and unit and pre-, intra- and post-operative items. Difficulties encountered were investigated. Thirteen (65%) centers answered the survey, and all met the minimal safety requirements, e.g., the presence of intensive care units and 24-h on-call operative endoscopy and radiology facilities. Fifty percent of esophagectomies with a minimally invasive approach were performed in 84.6% of the centers. Regarding pre-operative items, the highest scores were for the application of nutritional support, dysphagia palliation and presence of a multidisciplinary tumor board, whereas the lowest score was for the use of immunonutrition. Regarding intra-operative items, hypothermia prevention and the use of goal-directed fluid therapy and volatile anesthesia were diffusely adopted, whereas the rate of using abdominal drains was high. Regarding post-operative items, nausea prevention, multimodal analgesia and early mobilization were applied frequently, whereas the use of nasogastric tubes and regular transfer to intensive care units was diffused. The primary barriers in enhanced recovery after surgery protocol application were resistance and a lack of paramedic personnel. This survey's results highlight the efforts undertaken by several centers to apply enhanced recovery after surgery philosophy and in this regard, demonstrate a good standing in Italy.

High compliance to ERAS protocol does not improve overall survival in patients treated for resectable advanced gastric cancer

Introduction

The ERAS (Enhanced Recovery after Surgery) protocol revolutionized perioperative care for gastrointestinal surgical procedures. However, little is known about the association between adherence to the ERAS protocol in gastric cancer surgery and the oncological outcome.

Aim

To explore the relation between adherence to the ERAS protocol and the oncological outcome in gastric cancer patients.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of patients treated for gastric cancer between 2013 and 2016. All patients were treated perioperatively with a 14-item ERAS protocol. Every patient underwent regular follow-up every 3 months for 3 years after surgery. 80% compliance to the ERAS protocol was the goal during perioperative care. Based on the level of compliance, patients were divided into group 1 and group 2 (compliance of ≥ 80% and < 80%, respectively).

Results

Compliance to the ERAS protocol was not a risk factor for diminished overall survival – probability of 3-year survival was 63% in group 1 and 56% in group 2 (p = 0.75). The proportional Cox model revealed that only stage III gastric cancer was a risk factor of poor prognosis in patients operated on for gastric cancer (HR = 7.89, 95% CI: 2.96–20.89; p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

High adherence to the ERAS protocol did not improve overall survival in our 3-year observation. Only the stage of the disease, according to the AJCC classification, was identified as a risk factor for poor prognosis.

Investigating Risk Factors for Complications after Ileostomy Reversal in Low Anterior Rectal Resection Patients: An Observational Study

Introduction: Defunctioning ileostomy has been widely used in patients undergoing low anterior rectal resection to reduce the rate of postoperative leakage. It is still not clear whether interval between primary procedure and ileostomy reversal has an impact on treatment outcomes. Methods: In our prospective observational study we reviewed 164 consecutive cases of patients who underwent total mesorectal excision with primary anastomosis. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to search for risk factors for prolonged length of stay and complications after defunctioning ileostomy reversal. Receiver operating characteristic curves were utilized to set cut-off points for prolonged length of stay and perioperative morbidity. Results: In total, 132 patients were included in the statistical analysis. The median interval between primary procedure and defunctioning ileostomy reversal was 134 (range: 17-754) days, while median length of stay was 5 days (4-6 interquartile range (IQR)). Prolonged length of stay cut-off was established at 6 days. Regression models revealed that interval between primary surgery and stoma closure as well as complications after primary procedure are risk factors for complications after defunctioning ileostomy reversal. Prolonged length of stay has been found to be related primarily to interval between primary surgery and stoma closure. Conclusions: In our study interval between primary surgery and stoma closure along with complication occurrence after primary procedure are risk factors for perioperative morbidity and prolonged length of stay (LOS) after ileostomy reversal. The effort should be made to minimize the interval to ileostomy reversal. However, randomized studies are necessary to avoid the bias which appears in this observational study and confirm our findings.

Comparison of the effects of an ERAS program and a single-port laparoscopic surgery on postoperative outcomes of colon cancer patients

Advancement of the surgical modality and perioperative care are the two main dimensions for the modern improvement of surgical outcome. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the two by using the data from the single-port laparoscopic surgery and the early recovery after surgery (ERAS) program. Patients who underwent elective surgery for primary adenocarcinoma of the colon were divided into three groups and compared: ERAS (multi-port laparoscopic surgery with ERAS perioperative care), Conventional-SILS (single-port surgery with conventional perioperative care), or Conventional-Multi (multi-port laparoscopic surgery with conventional perioperative care). Ninety-one, 83, and 96 patients were registered, respectively. There were no differences among the three groups in baseline characteristics except pathological stage and operation site in colon. Although the ERAS group started a soft diet earlier and had earlier discharge, there were no differences in intra- and post-operative morbidity rate, readmission rate, or reoperation rate. The ERAS perioperative care was a significant factor for reducing length of hospital stay in the multivariate analysis, while single-port surgery was not. In modern laparoscopic colon cancer treatment, a systemic approach such as the ERAS program appears to be more effective than a technical approach for significantly improving short-term surgical outcomes.

Functional outcomes after resections for low rectal tumors: comparison of Transanal with laparoscopic Total Mesorectal excision

Background

Aim of this study was to evaluate functional outcomes of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) in comparison to conventional laparoscopic approach (LaTME) in terms of low anterior resection syndrome (LARS).

Methods

Forty-six patients who underwent total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer between 2013 and 2017 were enrolled. Primary outcome was the severity of faecal incontinence, assessed both before the treatment and 6 months after ileostomy reversal. LARS score and Jorge-Wexner scale were utilized to analyze its severity.

Results

Twenty (87%) from TaTME and 21 (91%) from LaTME group developed LARS postoperatively. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of LARS occurrence (p = 0.63) and severity. The median Wexner score was comparable in both groups (8 [IQR: 4–12] vs 7 [3–11], p = 0.83). Univariate analysis revealed that postoperative complications were a risk factor for LARS development (p = 0.02). Perioperative outcomes, including operative time, blood loss and intraoperative adverse events did not differ significantly between groups either. Five TaTME patients developed postoperative complications, while there were morbidity 6 cases in LaTME group. Quality of mesorectal excision was comparable with 20 and 19 complete cases in TaTME and LaTME groups, respectively.

Conclusions

TaTME provided comparable outcomes in terms of functional outcomes in comparison to LaTME for total mesorectal excision in low rectal cancers. Having said that, LARS prevalence is still high and requires further evaluation of the technique.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs for esophagectomy

A perioperative treatment protocol, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) focuses on accelerating patient recovery. Previous studies confirmed that ERAS decreases surgical trauma and the stress response, which improved outcomes including reduced length of hospital stay (LOS) and decreased postoperative morbidity. While ERAS protocols have been successfully implemented in a variety of surgical disciplines (colorectal, bariatric, orthopedic, and gynecologic surgery), its use in esophageal surgery is still limited. This paper analyzes the feasibility and value of the ERAS protocol for esophageal surgery. Reviewing the literature found that implementation of ERAS resulted in decreased costs, length of stay and pulmonary specific complication reduction, but not overall morbidity. The evidence lacks randomized control trials. Further, the ERAS Society published recommendations for esophageal resection. This opportunity for unification of the protocol would make the studies more comparable and leads to stronger conclusions. Surgery specific items also require further confirmation. Nonetheless, the successful introduction of the ERAS protocol into a wide variety of surgical disciplines provides optimism for ERAS's effectiveness in esophageal surgery.

Evaluation of the learning curve of transanal total mesorectal excision: single-centre experience

Introduction

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has been recently proposed to overcome the difficulties of the standard TME approach, allowing better visualization and dissection of the mesorectal fascia. Although TaTME seems very promising, the evidence and body of knowledge on achieving proficiency in performing it are still sparse.

Aim

To evaluate the learning curve of TaTME based on a single centre’s experience.

Material and methods

Consecutive patients undergoing TaTME since 2014 in a tertiary referral department were included in the study. All procedures were performed by one experienced surgeon. CUSUM curve analyses were performed to evaluate learning curves.

Results

Sixty-six patients underwent TaTME. After analysis of postoperative morbidity rate, intraoperative adverse effects and operative time, we estimated that 40 cases are needed to achieve TaTME proficiency. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups: before (40 patients) and after overcoming the learning curve (26 patients). Group 1 had higher readmission (p = 0.041) and complication rates (p = 0.019). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of intraoperative adverse effects, length of stay or pathological quality of the specimen.

Conclusions

Transanal total mesorectal excision is a promising yet technically demanding procedure and requires at least 40 cases to complete the learning curve. More data are needed to introduce it as a standard procedure for low rectal cancer treatment.

A quest for sphincter-saving surgery in ultralow rectal tumours-a single-centre cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Despite the progress in the treatment of colorectal cancer, there is still no optimal strategy for tumours located adjacent to the anal sphincter. This study aims to evaluate oncological and functional results of surgery for rectal cancer in unfavourable locations in proximity to anal sphincters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with rectal cancer, which was either initially infiltrating the anal sphincter or located in the close proximity of the sphincter, were included in the study. Patients were submitted to extralevator abdominoperineal resection (APR), intersphincteric resection, or transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). Primary outcomes were perioperative data: operative time, blood loss, complications, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were pathological quality of the specimens and functional outcome 6 months after defunctioning ileostomy closure.

RESULTS

Among patients with cancer adjacent to the anal sphincter, 13 (25%) underwent APR, 14 (27%) patients were submitted to intersphincteric resection, and 25 (48%) patients were treated with the TaTME approach. Operative time was 240 (210-270 IQR) for APR, 212.5 (170-260 IQR) for intersphincteric resection, and 270 (240-330 IQR) for TaTME (p = 0.018). Perioperative morbidity was 31% for APR, 36% for intersphincteric resections, and 12% for the TaTME group (p = 0.181). Complete mesorectal excision was achieved in 92% of specimens in the TaTME group, 93% in intersphincteric resections, and 78% in the APR group (p = 0.72). Median circumferential resection margin in APR was 6 mm (4-7 IQR), in intersphincteric resections 7.5 mm (2.5-10 IQR), and in the TaTME group 4 mm (2.8-8 IQR). All patients after intersphincteric resections developed major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Four patients in the TaTME group developed minor LARS, and 21 had major LARS.

CONCLUSION

Sphincter-saving rectal resections are a feasible alternative to APR with good clinical, pathological, and oncological outcomes. Intersphincteric resections and TaTME seem to be equal in terms of clinicopathological results. The functional outcome is yet to be investigated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was retrospectively registered in Thai Clinical Trials Registry (23-07-2018, ID TCTR20180724001 ).

Transanal total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer: a case-matched study comparing TaTME versus standard laparoscopic TME

Background

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is emerging as a novel alternative to laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME). The aim of this study was to compare clinical and pathological results from these two techniques in patients undergoing rectal resections because of low rectal cancer.

Materials and methods

Thirty-five patients undergoing TaTME were matched with 35 patients operated on using LaTME. Composite primary endpoint (complete TME, negative circumferential resection margin [pCRM], and distal resection margin [pDRM]) was used to assess pathological quality specimens. Secondary outcomes included operative and postoperative parameters (operative time, total blood loss, postoperative morbidity, length of stay, 30-day mortality).

Results

Composite primary endpoint was achieved by 85% of subjects in the TaTME group and 82% of subjects in the LaTME group (P=0.66). Mean pCRM was 1.1±1.29 vs 0.99±0.78 mm (P=0.25). Distal pDRM was 1.57±0.92 and 1.98±1.22 cm (P=0.15). In the TaTME and LaTME groups, respectively, complete mesorectal excision was achieved in 89% and 83% of subjects, while excision was nearly complete for the remaining 11% and 17% (P=0.23).

Conclusion

TaTME appears to be a noninferior alternative to laparoscopic surgery. TaTME allows for quality retrieval of surgical specimens with comparable clinical outcomes with LaTME.

Use of inflammatory markers in the early detection of infectious complications after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery with the ERAS protocol

Introduction

Thanks to laparoscopy and enhanced recovery protocols (ERAS) it is possible to shorten hospitalization. Therefore, it seems reasonable to search for new early markers of infectious complications in order to select patients who are prone to development of complications.

Aim

To assess the usefulness of serum levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and procalcitonin as early indicators of infectious complications in patients after laparoscopic colorectal surgery with ERAS.

Material and methods

The prospective analysis included consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection. The following parameters were included in the analysis: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and procalcitonin measured on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 2, 3. Patients were divided into two groups: uncomplicated (group 1) and complicated (group 2). The difference in levels of the markers and the dynamics of changes observed in both groups were analyzed.

Results

Group 1 comprised 34 patients, and group 2 consisted of 17 patients. A significant increase of both absolute values and delta increments on all postoperative days was noted. ROC curve analysis showed that the best cut-off values indicating an infectious process were: CRP 129 mg/l on POD3 (92% sensitivity/80% specificity), IL-6 of 78 pg/ml on POD2 (91% sensitivity/97% specificity) and PCT 0.24 ng/ml on POD3 (93% sensitivity/68% specificity).

Conclusions

Our study showed that regular measurement of all analyzed markers in the early postoperative days may be beneficial in the detection of postoperative infectious complications. Further studies are needed to fully assess the role of routine biochemical measurements in the postoperative period after laparoscopic surgery with the ERAS protocol.

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for prostate cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy

Objective

To determine the value of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for prostate cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using clinical data for 288 patients who underwent LRP in our hospital from June 2010 to December 2016. A total of 124 patients underwent ERAS (ERAS group) and the remaining 164 patients were allocated to the control group. ERAS comprised prehabilitation exercise, carbohydrate fluid loading, targeted intraoperative fluid resuscitation and keeping the body warm, avoiding drain use, early mobilization, and early postoperative drinking and eating.

Results

The times from LRP to first water intake, first ambulation, first anal exhaust, first defecation, pelvic drainage-tube removal, and length of hospital stay (LOS) were all significantly shorter, and hospitalization costs and the incidence of postoperative complications were significantly lower in the ERAS group compared with the control group. No deaths or reoperations occurred in either group, and there were no readmissions in the ERAS group, within 90 days after surgery.

Conclusion

ERAS protocols may effectively accelerate patient rehabilitation and reduce LOS and hospitalization costs in patients undergoing LRP.

Patients' opinions on enhanced recovery after surgery perioperative care principles: a questionnaire study

Introduction

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol relies on patients’ compliance and their awareness of its principles. Patients’ views on ERAS implementation have never been evaluated in Poland before.

Aim

To analyse patients’ opinions about this protocol.

Material and methods

One hundred forty consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic procedures in which ERAS was implemented were asked to join the study. Out of them, 120 fulfilled the trial criteria and were surveyed once before and twice after surgery. A 22-question survey about the patient’s perception of ERAS principles was presented upon admission and on the day of discharge. A telephone follow-up was performed 2 weeks after discharge.

Results

Patients reported the need for being counselled by the anaesthetist/surgeon as the most important element of the protocol. Items such as being free of pain, being free of gastrointestinal symptoms, and being free of catheter were rated more highly preoperatively than on the day of discharge, whereas telephone check-up call, being able to drink and eat early after surgery, avoiding bowel preparation, avoiding preoperative fasting and reducing postoperative intravenous fluids were rated more highly on the day of discharge. Pain was still present in over half of patients two weeks after discharge. Only 4.76% of patients admitted in the telephone survey that they were afraid of early discharge. Shortening of the length of hospital stay thanks to ERAS was widely appreciated among all patients who did not find it necessary to spend a longer time in the hospital.

Conclusions

Polish patients approve the ERAS protocol as modern perioperative care. Patients emphasize the need for preoperative counselling and painless recovery.

Is the laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer superior to open surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis on short-term surgical outcomes

Introduction

Over the past years the incidence of colorectal cancers has increased worldwide. Currently it is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy worldwide. The laparoscopic approach has become the gold standard for surgical treatment. However, a recently published meta-analysis showed no difference in short- and long-term oncological outcomes of laparoscopy for treating rectal cancer.

Aim

To assess current literature on short-term outcomes of rectal cancer treatment using laparoscopic surgery in comparison to the open approach.

Material and methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcomes of interest were morbidity and short-term complications.

Results

We identified 4,328 potential references. In the end we included 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We did not find any significant differences in terms of morbidity, haemorrhage, ureter injury, anastomotic leakage, mortality, intra-abdominal abscess or postoperative ileus. We found significant differences in the rate of surgical site infections, operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay and time to first bowel movement.

Conclusions

This systematic review based on available RCTs confirms that laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery is associated with short-term outcomes comparable to the open approach. Moreover, in some aspects it provides better results (e.g. functional postoperative recovery, lower rate of surgical site infections (SSIs)). The quality of evidence is high; therefore in our opinion it is very unlikely that future trials will alter these results, and for this reason the laparoscopic approach can be considered the gold standard for the treatment of the majority of patients.

Current status of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in gastrointestinal surgery

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based paradigm shift in perioperative care, proven to lower both recovery time and postoperative complication rates. The role of ERAS in several surgical disciplines was reviewed. In colorectal surgery, ERAS protocol is currently well established as the best care. In gastric surgery, 2014 saw an establishment of ERAS protocol for gastrectomies with resulting meta-analysis showing ERAS effectiveness. ERAS has also been shown to be beneficial in liver surgery with many centers starting implementation. The advantages of ERAS in pancreatic surgery have been strongly established, but there is still a need for large-scale, multicenter randomized trials. Barriers to implementation were analyzed, with recent studies concluding that successful implementation requires a multidisciplinary team, a willingness to change and a clear understanding of the protocol. Additionally, the difficulty in accomplishing necessary compliance to all protocol items calls for new implementation strategies. ERAS success in different patient populations was analyzed, and it was found that in the elderly population, ERAS shortened the length of hospitalization and did not lead to a higher risk of postoperative complications or readmissions. ERAS utilization in the emergency setting is possible and effective; however, certain changes to the protocol may need to be adapted. Therefore, further research is needed. There remains insufficient evidence on whether ERAS actually improves patients’ course in the long term. However, since most centers started to implement ERAS protocol less than 5 years ago, more data are expected.