Effects of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol on the Incidence of Postoperative Complications Following Intestinal Surgery

Major colorectal surgery usually requires a hospital stay of more than 12 days. Inadequate pain management, intestinal dysfunction and immobilisation are the main factors associated with delay in recovery. This study aims to assess the short and medium term results achieved by an enhanced recovery program based on previously published protocols. This prospective study will be performed at a major hospital in China, involved 200 patients. All patients underwent elective colorectal resection for cancer are divided into enhanced recovery program group or conventional treatment group. The main elements of this program were: preoperative advice, no colon preparation, provision of carbohydrate-rich drinks one day prior and on the morning of surgery, goal directed fluid administration, body temperature control during surgery, avoiding drainages and nasogastric tubes, early mobilization, and the taking of oral fluids in the early postoperative period. Perioperative morbidity and mortality data will be collected and the length of hospital stay and protocol compliance recorded.