Enhanced Recovery Program After Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery During The Era Of COVID-19 : A Randomized Controlled Trial

The investigators included all patients who were subjected to laparoscopic colorectal surgery at investigators' center between ( December 2019 to December 2021) for benign & malignant conditions. The study was approved by the research and Ethics committee of our university and performed in accordance with the code of ethics of the world medical association (Declaration of Helsinki) for studies involving humans. A written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Sample size The sample size was calculated using open Epi program . sample size was 50 patients , divided into 2 equal groups . Group 1: included 25 patients who were subjected to enhance recovery program after laparoscopic colorectal surgery . Group 2: included 25 patients who were subjected to traditional way - nothing by mouth until the resolution of ileus, then a fluid diet, followed by a regular diet after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Perioperative measures:

In this prospective randomized controlled trials , all patients were subjected to the followings: patients were selected by randomization method , Full history taking , Complete physical examination , laboratory investigations ( complete blood picture , liver and kidney functions , coagulation profile , tumor marker tests, serum electrolytes) , patients were assessed radio- logically by barium enema, abdominal ultrasound ,pelvic and abdominal CT, bone survey and chest X-ray in addition to colonoscopy and biopsy for diagnosis of colorectal cancer, all cases were well prepared by correction of electrolytes and acid-base disturbance , all cases were subjected to colonic preparation.

Surgical techniques :