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Over the last decades, surgical complication rates have fallen drastically. With the introduction of new surgical techniques coupled with specific evidence-based perioperative care protocols, patients today run half the risk of complications compared with traditional care. Many patients who in previous years needed weeks of hospital care now recover and can leave in days. These remarkable improvements are achieved by using nutritional stress-reducing care elements for the surgical patient that reduce metabolic stress and allow for the return of gut function. This new approach to nutritional care and how it is delivered as an integral part of enhancing recovery after surgery are outlined in this review. We also summarize the new and increased understanding of the effects of the routes of delivering nutrition and the role of the gut, as well as the current recommendations for artificial nutritional support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By employing the evidence in the literature to form guidance for perioperative care, the ERAS SP ® sp Society has set the principles developed to form Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and spread the concept to all parts of surgical practice [[1]]. 1 Four randomly selected surgical departments audit result for ERAS® Society guideline compliance before initiating ERAS training. Using data collected on all patients during the entire perioperative period to drive care is what the ERAS SP ® sp Society implementation program train hospitals do to improve their practice and then sustain these gains. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Advantages of robotic technique over laparoscopic technique in rectal tumor surgery have yet to be proven. Large multicenter, register-based cohort studies within an optimized perioperative care protocol are lacking. The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare short-term outcomes in robotic, laparoscopic and open rectal tumor resections, while also determining compliance to the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)®Society Guidelines. Methods: All patients scheduled for rectal tumor resection and consecutively recorded in the Swedish part of the international ERAS® Interactive Audit System between January 1, 2010 to February 27, 2020, were included (N = 3125). Primary outcomes were postoperative complications and length of stay (LOS) and secondary outcomes compliance to the ERAS protocol, conversion to open surgery, symptoms delaying discharge and reoperations. Uni- and multivariate comparisons were used. Results: Robotic surgery (N = 827) had a similar rate of postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo grades 1–5), 35.9% compared to open surgery (N = 1429) 40.9% (OR 1.15, 95% CI (0.93, 1.41)) and laparoscopic surgery (N = 869) 31.2% (OR 0.88, 95% CI (0.71, 1.08)). LOS was longer in the open group, median 9 days (IRR 1.35, 95% CI (1.27, 1.44)) and laparoscopic group, 7 days (IRR 1.14, 95% CI (1.07, 1.21)) compared to the robotic group, 6 days. Pre- and intraoperative compliance to the ERAS protocol were similar between groups. Conclusions: In this multicenter cohort study, robotic surgery was associated with shorter LOS compared to both laparoscopic and open surgery and had lower conversion rates vs laparoscopic surgery. The rate of complications was similar between groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This narrative review presents a biological rationale and evidence to describe how the preoperative condition of the patient contributes to postoperative morbidity. Any preoperative condition that prevents a patient from tolerating the physiological stress of surgery (e.g. poor cardiopulmonary reserve, sarcopaenia), impairs the stress response (e.g. malnutrition, frailty), and/or augments the catabolic response to stress (e.g. insulin resistance) is a risk factor for poor surgical outcomes. Prehabilitation interventions that include exercise, nutrition, and psychosocial components can be applied before surgery to strengthen physiological reserve and enhance functional capacity, which, in turn, supports recovery through attaining surgical resilience. Prehabilitation complements Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) care to achieve optimal patient outcomes because recovery is not a passive process and it begins preoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) alone within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has not yet been conducted. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for AL and study short-term outcome after AL in patients operated with anterior resection (AR). Methods: All prospectively and consecutively recorded patients operated with AR in the Swedish part of the international ERAS® Interactive Audit System (EIAS) between January 2010 and February 2020 were included. The cohort was evaluated regarding risk factors for AL and short-term outcomes, including uni- and multivariate analysis. Pre-, intra- and postoperative compliance to ERAS®Society guidelines was calculated and evaluated. Results: Altogether 1900 patients were included, 155 (8.2%) with AL and 1745 without AL. Male gender, obesity, peritoneal contamination, year of surgery 2016–2020, duration of primary surgery and age remained significant predictors for AL in multivariate analysis. There was no significant difference in overall pre- and intraoperative compliance to ERAS®Society guidelines between groups. Only preadmission patient education remained as a significant ERAS variable associated with less AL. AL was associated with longer length of stay (LOS), higher morbidity rate and higher rate of reoperations. Conclusion: Male gender, obesity, peritoneal contamination, duration of surgery, surgery later in study period, age and preadmission patient education were associated with AL in patients operated on with AR. Overall pre- and intraoperative compliance to the ERAS protocol was high in both groups and not associated with AL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on anastomotic leakage (AL) in colonic procedures within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has not yet been conducted. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for AL after colonic surgery. Methods: The study included all consecutively recorded patients operated with colonic resection surgery in the Swedish part of the international ERAS® Interactive Audit System (EIAS) between September 2009 and June 2022. The cohort was analyzed and evaluated regarding risk factors for AL. Results: Altogether 10,632 patients were included, 10,219 were without AL and 413 (3.9%) were with AL. After adjusted analysis, male sex (4.6% AL), OR: 1.49; 95% CI (1.16–1.90), obesity (4.8% AL), OR: 1.62; 95% CI (1.18–2.24), previous surgery (4.4% AL), OR: 1.45; 95% CI (1.14–1.86), open surgery (4.4% AL), OR: 1.36; 95% CI (1.02–1.83), anastomosis between small bowel and rectum (13.1% AL), OR: 3.97; 95% CI (2.23–7.10), stapled anastomosis (5.3% AL), OR: 2.46; 95% CI (1.79–3.38), inhalation anesthesia (4.2% AL), OR: 1.80; 95% CI (1.26–2.57), and conversion to open surgery (5.5% AL), OR 1.49; 95% CI (1.02–2.19) were significant risk factors for AL. Although pre and intraoperative compliance to the ERAS‐protocol was similar, excess of fluids day 0 was an independent predictor for AL. Conclusion: Male sex, obesity, previous surgery, open surgery, stapled anastomotic technique, anastomosis between small bowel and rectum, inhalation anesthesia, conversion to open surgery, and among ERAS interventions, excess of fluids day 0, were significant risk factors for AL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the period of starvation within the context of the pathophysiological changes that accompany major surgery. Topics covered include ways of assessing the magnitude of the stress response, the use of minimally-invasive surgery to reduce the prolonged effects of starvation, and maltodextrin as the key composition of oral carbohydrate loading.

This short historical overview explains the development of enhanced recovery from a small group of surgeons in European academic centers to the establishment of ERAS®Society, a not-for-profit multiprofessional multidisciplinary medical-academic society, reaching all major continents and involving a wide range of surgical and anesthesia disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the importance of postoperative metabolism on elective orthopedic surgery. The authors review some of the latest developments regarding the role of metabolism and they assess these functions in the context of patient undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. In conclusion, they observe that insulin resistance that develops after orthopedic surgery correspond to a common underlying mechanism for metabolic unbalance.

Enhanced recovery after surgery begins before the onset of surgery with detailed and structured preparation of the patient for the surgery they are about to go through. Detailed information to the patient and their kin at a separate occasion in advance of the admission is an important beginning. This ensures that the patient knows what they can do to enhance recovery and what to expect postoperatively including when to go home. Avoiding bowel preparation as a routine avoids unnecessary fasting and fluid derangements before the onset of surgery. Instead of the traditional overnight fasting routine that has no scientific support, modern fasting guidelines should be applied. In these, patients are recommended to take clear fluids ad libitum up until 2 hours before anesthesia. A further improved preparation can be achieved by having the patient take a carbohydrate-rich clear drink 2 hours before anesthesia. This changes the overnight fasted state of metabolism into a fed state, improves well-being perioperatively, and markedly reduces the metabolic derangement and the risk for hyperglycemia in the postoperative phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients suffering from hip fracture are known to be at risk of catabolism and protein-energy malnutrition. In this review we discuss the pathogenesis of hip fracture-related catabolism per- and postoperatively. We also describe the consequences of malnutrition after a hip fracture and summarize studies that have evaluated the effect of nutritional or anabolic treatment of these patients.There has been relatively little published on the effects of nutritional and anabolic pharmacological interventions for improvement of nutritional status and on the role of nutritional status in clinical outcomes. Even so, there have been 19 randomized studies in this field. 12 studies evaluated nutritional supplementation or protein supplementation. 6 found improved clinical outcome with fewer complications, faster recovery and shorter length of hospital stay, whereas the others reported no difference in clinical outcome. For pharmacological interventions, the outcomes have been even less clear. Supplementation studies in general appear to be underpowered or suffer logistic problems. Studies of higher scientific quality are needed, and enteral feeding, anabolic treatment and multimodal approaches need to be evaluated in greater depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasting overnight has been the routine before elective surgery for the past century. Fasting guidelines in many countries have recently been modernized and it is now recommended that most patients drink clear fluids up until 2-3 h before anaesthesia. Several studies have shown that if the overnight fasted state is changed into a carbohydrate fed state before the onset of the operation, several further benefits can be gained. In particular, patients treated with carbohydrates at sufficient concentrations (12.5%) in a specially designed drink for preoperative use have less preoperative discomfort, and fewer metabolic derangements postoperatively. Of special interest is the finding that this treatment (or a 30% glucose infusion given at a fairly high rate) results in substantially less postoperative insulin resistance. This is important, since insulin resistance is the underlying mechanism behind hyperglycaemia, which has been shown to be detrimental in postoperative patients. Recent studies show that preoperative carbohydrates counteract the key disturbances that cause hyperglycaemia, primarily increased endogenous glucose production and reduced glucose uptake in peripheral tissues. This paper reviews the concept of preoperative carbohydrates as opposed to overnight fasting, the mechanisms of action and clinical outcomes for this treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines functional heterogeneity of leucine pool in human skeletal muscle. Methodology of study conducted on 12 healthy female subjects; Discussion on isolation of AA-tRNA tissues; Information on blood glucose results obtained from intake of meals.

Determines whether acylation to tRNA and leucine transamination take place from a homogeneous intracellular pool in human skeletal muscle under variable physiological conditions. Decline in intracellular protein breakdown by the ingestion of a carbohydrate meal; Increase in extracellularly supplied amino acids from mixed meals.

The author talks about the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society and the periodical's announcement as its official journal. Topics discussed include the International Society of Surgery (ISS), the aim of ERAS to improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgery, and the guidelines published by ERAS in evidence-based care.

Malnutrition is prevalent among surgical candidates and associated with adverse outcomes. Despite being potentially modifiable, malnutrition risk screening is not a standard preoperative practice. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to understand healthcare professionals' (HCPs) opinions and barriers regarding screening and treatment of malnutrition. HCPs working with adult surgical patients in Canada were invited to complete an online survey. Barriers to preoperative malnutrition screening were assessed using the Capability Opportunity Motivation-Behaviour model. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analyzed using summative content analysis. Of the 225 HCPs surveyed (n = 111 dietitians, n = 72 physicians, n = 42 allied HCPs), 96%–100% agreed that preoperative malnutrition is a modifiable risk factor associated with worse surgical outcomes and is a treatment priority. Yet, 65% (n = 142/220; dietitians: 88% vs. physicians: 40%) reported screening for malnutrition, which mostly occured in the postoperative period (n = 117) by dietitians (n = 94). Just 42% (48/113) of non-dietitian respondents referred positively screened patients to a dietitian for further assessment and treatment. The most prevalent barriers for malnutrition screening were related to opportunity, including availability of resources (57%, n = 121/212), time (40%, n = 84/212) and support from others (38%, n = 80/212). In conclusion, there is a gap between opinion and practice among surgical HCPs pertaining to malnutrition. Although HCPs agreed malnutrition is a surgical priority, the opportunity to screen for nutrition risk was a great barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a perioperative management based on multimodality and multidisciplinary work. ERAS has been shown to have important clinical and economic benefits, but its spread remains slow worldwide.Discussion: This manuscript reviews the overall program benefits and focuses on important aspects for implementation well beyond surgery. Implementation of ERAS pathways improves clinical outcomes and induces substantial economic gains. ERAS is the current surgical revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The level of post‐operative mobilization according to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines is not always achieved. We investigated whether immediate mobilization increases postoperative physical activity. The objective was to evaluate the effects of immediate postoperative mobilization in the post‐anesthesia care unit (PACU) compared to standard care. Methods: This randomized controlled trial, involved 144 patients, age ≥18 years, undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Patients were randomized to mobilization starting 30 min after arrival in the PACU, or to standard care. Standard care consisted of mobilization a few hours later at the ward according to ERAS guidelines. The primary outcome was physical activity, in terms of number of steps, measured with an accelerometer during postoperative days (PODs) 1–3. Secondary outcomes were physical capacity, functional mobility, time to readiness for discharge, complications, compliance with the ERAS protocol, and physical activity 1 month after surgery. Results: With the intention‐to‐treat analysis of 144 participants (median age 71, 58% female) 47% underwent laparoscopic‐or robotic‐assisted surgery. No differences in physical activity during hospital stay were found between the participants in the intervention group compared to the standard care group (adjusted mean ratio 0.97 on POD 1 [95% CI, 0.75–1.27], p = 0.84; 0.89 on POD 2 [95% CI, 0.68–1.16], p = 0.39, and 0.90 on POD 3 [95% CI, 0.69–1.17], p = 0.44); no differences were found in any of the other outcome measures. Conclusions: Addition of the intervention of immediate mobilization to standard care did not make the patients more physically active during their hospital stay. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NTC 03357497. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on the article "Sustainability of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program (ERAS) in Colonic Surgery" published in the 2014 issue of the periodical. He discusses the features of the ERAS program, the study's contributions to improving surgical care and the impact of ERAS on patient relapse rates. He also calls for further development of ERAS to sustain improvements in post-surgical care.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article discussing the review of a group of surgeons regarding the latest Cochrane analysis on preoperative fasting in adults to avoid perioperative complications, published in the October 2005 issue of "The Canadian Journal of Surgery."

In the present January 2004 issue of the Journal "ANZ Journal of Surgery" there presents a study which reports the results of early oral feeding after colon resection compared to traditional decompression using a nasogastric tube until flatus. In this randomized study of 100 patients, the hypothesis was that early oral feeding would be an essential part of faster recovery. The authors report almost identical results with regard to length of stay, morbidity and overall recovery. The only significant difference between the two groups was an increase in the number of patients vomiting in the fed group compared to the decompression group.

Background: This is Part 3 of the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy using an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) approach. This paper addresses organizational aspects of care. Methods: Experts in management of the high-risk and emergency general surgical patient were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE database searches were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies were selected with particular attention to randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and large cohort studies, and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on elective patients when appropriate. A modified Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations. Results: Components of organizational aspects of care were considered. Consensus was reached after three rounds of a modified Delphi process. Conclusions: These guidelines are based on best current available evidence for organizational aspects of an ERAS® approach to patients undergoing emergency laparotomy and include discussion of less common aspects of care for the surgical patient, including end-of-life issues. These guidelines are not exhaustive but pull together evidence on important components of care for this high-risk patient population. As much of the evidence is extrapolated from elective surgery or emergency general surgery (not specifically laparotomy), many of the components need further evaluation in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is Part 2 of the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy (EL) using an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach. This paper addresses intra- and postoperative aspects of care. Methods: Experts in aspects of management of high-risk and emergency general surgical patients were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Medline database searches were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies on each item were selected with particular attention to randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large cohort studies and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on elective patients when appropriate. A modified Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations. Some ERAS® components covered in other guideline papers are outlined only briefly, with the bulk of the text focusing on key areas pertaining specifically to EL. Results: Twenty-three components of intraoperative and postoperative care were defined. Consensus was reached after three rounds of a modified Delphi Process. Conclusions: These guidelines are based on best available evidence for an ERAS® approach to patients undergoing EL. These guidelines are not exhaustive but pull together evidence on important components of care for this high-risk patient population. As much of the evidence is extrapolated from elective surgery or emergency general surgery (not specifically laparotomy), many of the components need further evaluation in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response to the letter coming from intensivist Eldar S∅reide and surgeon Olle Ljungqvist regarding their comment on the importance of preoperative fasting is presented.

Background: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol combines unimodal evidence-based interventions aiming to enhance recovery after surgery and reduce length of stay (LOS). We introduced an ERAS protocol in gynecological surgery and compared outcomes after hysterectomies performed for malignant vs. benign indications.Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Örebro University Hospital, Sweden, among 121 consecutive patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy for malignant (n = 40) or benign (n = 81) indications between 2012 and 2014. Clinical data were prospectively collected and extracted from the patient records and from a specific database. The primary outcomes were LOS and proportion of patients achieving target LOS (2 days).Results: Patients operated for malignant vs. benign disease did not differ significantly in terms of LOS (2 (1-5) vs. 2 (1-11) days; p = 0.505), proportion discharged at target LOS (62 vs. 69%; p = 0.465; OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.3-1.6), complications (2 vs. 7% in primary stay, 8 vs. 11% within 30 days after discharge), reoperations (0 vs. 2%), or readmissions (2 vs. 1%).Conclusion: The ERAS protocol may be equally applicable to patients undergoing hysterectomy either for a malignant or for a benign disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many adverse events occur due to poor communication between surgical and anesthesia unit personnel. The aim of this study was to identify strategies to reduce risks unveiled by a national survey on patient safety. Methods: During 2011-2015, specially trained survey teams visited the surgery departments at Swedish hospitals and documented routines concerning safety in abdominal surgery. The reports from the first seventeen visits were reviewed by an independent group in order to extract findings related to routines in communication between anesthesia and surgical unit personnel. Results: In general, routines regarding preoperative risk assessment were safe and well- coordinated. On the other hand, routines regarding medication prior to surgery, reporting between the different units, and systems for reporting and providing feedback on adverse events were poor or missing. Strategies with highest priority include: 1. a uniform national health declaration form; 2. consistent use of admission notes; 3. systems for documenting all important medical information, that is accessible to everyone; 4. a multidisciplinary forum for the evaluation of high-risk patients; 5. weekly and daily scheduling of surgical programs; 6. application of the WHO check list; 7. open dialog during surgery; 8. reporting based on SBAR; 9. oral and written reports from the surgeon to the postoperative unit; and 10. combined mortality and morbidity conferences. Conclusion: One repeatedly occurring hazard endangering patient safety was related to communication between surgical and anesthesia unit personnel. Strategies to reduce this hazard are suggested, but further research is required to test their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This is the first Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society guideline for primary and secondary hospitals in low–middle-income countries (LMIC's) for elective abdominal and gynecologic care. Methods: The ERAS LMIC Guidelines group was established by the ERAS® Society in collaboration with different representatives of perioperative care from LMIC's. The group consisted of seven members from the ERAS® Society and eight members from LMIC's. An updated systematic literature search and evaluation of evidence from previous ERAS® guidelines was performed by the leading authors of the Colorectal (2018) and Gynecologic (2019) surgery guidelines (Gustafsson et al in World J Surg 43:6592–695, Nelson et al in Int J Gynecol Cancer 29(4):651–668). Meta-analyses randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective and retrospective cohort studies from both HIC's and LMIC's were considered for each perioperative item. The members in the LMIC group then applied the current evidence and adapted the recommendations for each intervention as well as identifying possible new items relevant to LMIC's. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system (GRADE) methodology was used to determine the quality of the published evidence. The strength of the recommendations was based on importance of the problem, quality of evidence, balance between desirable and undesirable effects, acceptability to key stakeholders, cost of implementation and specifically the feasibility of implementing in LMIC's and determined through discussions and consensus. Results: In addition to previously described ERAS® Society interventions, the following items were included, revised or discussed: the Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC), preoperative routine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in countries with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS (CD4 and viral load for those patients that are HIV positive), delirium screening and prevention, COVID 19 screening, VTE prophylaxis, immuno-nutrition, prehabilitation, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and a standardized postoperative monitoring guideline. Conclusions: These guidelines are seen as a starting point to address the urgent need to improve perioperative care and to effect data-driven, evidence-based care in LMIC's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To study the effects of introducing an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery ( ERAS) protocol, modified for gynecological surgery, on length of stay and complications following abdominal hysterectomy. Design Observational study. Setting Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Örebro University Hospital, Sweden. Population Eighty-five patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy for benign or malignant indications between January and December 2012, with or without salpingo-oophorectomy. Outcomes were compared with all consecutive patients who had undergone the same surgery from January to December 2011, immediately before establishing the ERAS protocol ( n = 120). Methods The ERAS protocol was initiated in January 2012 as part of a targeted implementation program. Data were extracted from patient records and from a specific database. Main outcome measures Length of stay and the proportion of patients achieving target length of stay (2 days). Results Length of stay was significantly reduced in the study population after introducing the ERAS protocol from a mean of 2.6 ( SD 1.1) days to a mean of 2.3 ( SD 1.2) days ( p = 0.011). The proportion of patients discharged at 2 days was significantly increased from 56% pre- ERAS to 73% after ERAS ( p = 0.012). No differences were found in complications (5% vs. 3.5% in primary stay, 12% vs. 15% within 30 days after discharge), reoperations (2% vs. 1%) or readmission (4% vs. 4%). Conclusions Introducing the ERAS protocol for abdominal hysterectomy reduced length of stay without increasing complications or readmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Currently available preparations for colonoscopy have low tolerability and may cause fluid and electrolyte shifts. An alternative method of bowel cleansing is required. Material and methods. Preparation of the gut using oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and rectal enema was tested as an alternative method of bowel cleansing. During 2008-2012, patients were randomized to oral nutritional supplements ( n = 27) for 5 days and rectal enema or polyethylene glycol (PEG) ( n = 23) prior to colonoscopy. Blinded endoscopists rated the degree of bowel cleansing according to the Ottawa bowel preparation scale (OBS) (primary outcome). Tolerability of either preparation was also assessed (ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier no: NCT00123456). Results. Due to a high rate of bowel cleansing failure among patients receiving ONS, the study was interrupted prematurely. Colonoscopies were incomplete due to stools in 6 of 27 patients in the ONS group compared to 1 of 23 in the PEG group (ns). The mean total OBS were 8.3 ± 3.3 and 5.3 ± 2.8, respectively ( p = 0.002). Four patients (15%) in the ONS group and eight patients (35%) receiving PEG had an OBS score ≤4 (good preparation) (ns). ONS was better tolerated than PEG with more patients reporting acceptable taste (27 of 27 [100%] vs. 15 of 23 [65%], p = 0.001), and fewer reporting difficulties with the intake (0 of 27 [0%] vs. 10 of 23 [43%], p < 0.001) and nausea (5 of 27 [19%] vs. 13 of 23 [57%], p < 0.008). Conclusions. For routine use, ONS with enema instead of traditional preparation for colonoscopy with PEG cannot be generally recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We thank Prof. Kehlet for his letter and read with interest his comments on our manuscript [[1]]. Still, we found it useful to publish these data, since they show the same association for laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery as has been shown for open surgery, namely that low pre-and intra-operative compliance is associated with early postoperative complications and long-term survival. Adherence to the ERAS protocol is associated with 5-year survival after colorectal cancer surgery: a retrospective cohort study. [Extracted from the article]

Objective. The Bard EndoCinch plication technique has been reported to improve symptoms and reduce oesophageal acid exposure in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). However, no placebo-controlled studies have been published as yet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the EndoCinch plication technique in a randomized, placebo-controlled setting. Material and methods. Forty-six otherwise healthy subjects with objectively verified GORD requiring regular use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomized to the EndoCinch plication technique or a sham procedure. Pre- and post-procedure assessments included gastro-oesophageal endoscopy, oesophageal manometry and 24-h pH recording, quality of life (QoL) assessment and use of PPIs. Results. Reflux-specific symptoms and use of PPIs (total intake as well as number of patients not taking PPIs) improved in both groups at 6 weeks and at 3 and 12 months post-procedure (p<0.05) with an increased improvement in the treatment group at 3 months compared to controls (p<0.05 versus sham). There were no inter- or intra-group differences in endoscopic findings, oesophageal manometry or acid exposure before or at 3 or 12 months post-procedure. Gastro-oesophageal endoscopy showed that 71% and 67% of sutures remained at 3 and 12 months, respectively. Conclusions. Although some short-term effects were achieved, it was found that there were no differences between the treatment and control groups after 12 months and the lack of reduction of oesophageal acid exposure suggests that, in its present form, the EndoCinch plication technique is not to be recommended for use in clinical practice. It is suggested that the lack of long-term effects is primarily due to detachment of the sutures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A comprehensive evidence base for perioperative care in upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery is lacking. Little is known about the routines currently practiced in the absence of such evidence. We describe postoperative practice after gastric resections in five northern European countries. Method and Setting: Questionnaire survey in all major digestive surgical centres in Scotland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Results: 76% of all centres (n = 200/263) responded. Routines varied extensively both nationally and between countries. No uniformity was traced although a conservative trend was noticeable in the use of nasogastric decompression tubes and ‘nil-by-mouth’ regimens. Nutritional support during the first 5 days is generally offered in Denmark, but not in Scotland. Drinking at will is generally allowed in Denmark and Norway by the first postoperative day. Eating at will is uniformly restricted. Conclusion: The paucity of evidence is reflected by the marked heterogeneity in practice. Large groups of patients may be treated suboptimally. Best perioperative care for these patients must be defined and documented. Especially, the role of early oral intake at will in upper GI surgery needs to be clarified by sufficiently powered trials. Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early mobilization is a significant part of the ERAS® Society guidelines, in which patients are recommended to spend 2 h out of bed on the day of surgery. However, it is not yet known how early patients can safely be mobilized after completion of colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, and safety of providing almost immediate structured supervised mobilization starting 30 min post-surgery at the postoperative anesthesia care unit (PACU), and to describe reactions to this approach. Methods: This feasibility study includes 42 patients aged ≥18 years who received elective colorectal surgery at Örebro University Hospital. They underwent a structured mobilization performed by a specialized physiotherapist using a modified Surgical ICU Optimal Mobilization Score (SOMS). SOMS determines the level of mobilization at four levels from no activity to ambulating. Mobilization was considered successful at SOMS ≥ 2, corresponding to sitting on the edge of the bed as a proxy of sitting in a chair due to lack of space. Results: In all, 71% (n = 30) of the patients reached their highest level of mobilization between the second and third hour of arrival in the PACU. Before discharge to the ward, 43% (n = 18) could stand at the edge of the bed and 38% (n = 16) could ambulate. Symptoms that delayed advancement of mobilization were pain, somnolence, hypotension, nausea, and patient refusal. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Supervised mobilization is feasible and can safely be initiated in the immediate postoperative care after colorectal surgery. Trial registration Clinical trials.gov identifier: NTC03357497. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of acute kidney injury (AKI) within an ERAS program for colorectal surgery (CRS). Methods: This is a retrospective case–control study conducted from March 2016 to September 2018 at a single tertiary hospital in Singapore. All adult patients requiring CRS within our ERAS program were considered eligible. Exclusions were stage 5 chronic kidney disease or patients requiring a synchronous liver resection. The primary outcome was AKI as defined by the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Acute Kidney Injury Work Group. Secondary outcomes included mortality, major complications, and hospital length of stay. Patient, surgical, and anaesthesia-related data were analysed to determine factors associated with AKI. Results: A total of 575 patients were eligible for the study. Twenty patients were excluded from the study leaving 555 patients for analysis. Mean age was 67.8 (SD 11.4) years. Seventy-four patients met the criteria for AKI (13.4%: stage 1—11.2%, stage 2—2.0%, stage 3—0.2%). One patient required renal replacement therapy (RRT). Patients with AKI had a longer length of stay (median [IQR], 11.0 [5.0–17.0] days vs 6.0 [4.0–8.0] days; P <.001), more major complications (OR, 6.55; 95% CI, 3.00–14.35, P <.001), and a trend towards higher mortality at one year (OR, 1.44; 95% CI 0.48–4.30; p = 0.511. After multivariable regression analysis, factors associated with AKI were preoperative creatinine (OR, 1.01 per 10 µmol/l; 95% CI, 1.03–1.22; P = 0.01), robotic surgery vs open surgery (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.06–0.39; P < 0.001), anaesthesia duration (OR, 1.38 per hour; 95% CI, 1.22–1.55; P < 0.001), and major complications (OR, 5.55; 95% CI, 2.63–11.70; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Within the present cohort, the implementation of an ERAS program for CRS was associated with a low prevalence of moderate to severe AKI despite a balanced intravenous fluid regimen. Patients having open surgery, longer procedures, and major complications are at increased risk of AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and prehabilitation programs are evidence-based and patient-focused, yet meaningful patient input could further enhance these interventions to produce superior patient outcomes and patient experiences. We conducted a qualitative study with patients who had undergone colorectal surgery under ERAS care to determine how they prepared for surgery, their views on prehabilitation and how prehabilitation could be delivered to best meet patient needs.Methods: We conducted semistructured interviews with adult patients who had undergone colorectal surgery under ERAS care within 3 months after surgery. Patients were enrolled between April 2018 and June 2019 through purposive sampling from 1 hospital in Alberta. The interview transcripts were analyzed independently by a researcher and a trained patient-researcher using inductive thematic analysis.Results: Twenty patients were interviewed. Three main themes were identified. First, waiting for surgery: patients described fear, anxiety, isolation and deterioration of their mental and physical states as they waited passively for surgery. Second, preparing would have been better than just waiting: patients perceived that a prehabilitation program could prepare them for their operation if it addressed their emotional and physical needs, provided personalized support, offered home strategies, involved family and included surgical expectations (both what to expect and what is expected of them). Third, partnering with patients: preoperative preparation should occur on a continuum that meets patients where they are at and in a partnership that respects patients' expertise and desired level of engagement.Conclusion: We identified several patient priorities for the preoperative period. Integrating these priorities within ERAS and prehabilitative programs could improve patient satisfaction, experiences and outcomes. Actively engaging patients in their care might alleviate some of the anxiety and fear associated with waiting passively for surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aims to assess patient coverage, validity and data quality in the Swedish part of the International Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Interactive Audit System (EIAS). Method: All Swedish ERAS centers that recorded colorectal surgery data in EIAS between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017, were included (N = 12). Information registered in EIAS was compared with data from electronic medical records at each hospital to assess the overall coverage of EIAS. Twenty random-selected patients from each of the contributing centers were assessed for accuracy for a set of clinically relevant variables. All patients admitted to the contributing centers were included for the assessment of rate of missing on a selection of key clinical variables. Results: Eight hospitals provided complete information for the evaluation, while four hospitals only allowed assessment of coverage and missing data. The eight hospitals had an overall coverage of 98.8% in EIAS (n = 1301) and the four 86.7% (n = 811). The average agreement for the assessed postoperative outcome variables was 96.5%. The accuracy was excellent for 'length of hospital stay,' 'reoperation,' and 'any complications,' but lower for other types of complications. Only a few variables had more than 5% missing data, and missingness was associated with hospital type and size. Conclusion: This validation of the Swedish part of the international ERAS database suggests high patient coverage in EIAS and high agreement and limited missingness in clinically relevant variables. This validation approach or a modified version can be used for continued validation of the International ERAS database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols reduce length of stay, complications and costs for a large number of elective surgical procedures. A similar, structured approach appears to improve outcomes, including mortality, for patients undergoing high-risk emergency general surgery, and specifically emergency laparotomy. These are the first consensus guidelines for optimal care of these patients using an ERAS approach. Methods: Experts in aspects of management of the high-risk and emergency general surgical patient were invited to contribute by the International ERAS® Society. Pubmed, Cochrane, Embase, and MEDLINE database searches on English language publications were performed for ERAS elements and relevant specific topics. Studies on each item were selected with particular attention to randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and large cohort studies, and reviewed and graded using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Recommendations were made on the best level of evidence, or extrapolation from studies on non-emergency patients when appropriate. The Delphi method was used to validate final recommendations. The guideline has been divided into two parts: Part 1—Preoperative Care and Part 2—Intraoperative and Postoperative management. This paper provides guidelines for Part 1. Results: Twelve components of preoperative care were considered. Consensus was reached after three rounds. Conclusions: These guidelines are based on the best available evidence for an ERAS approach to patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Initial management is particularly important for patients with sepsis and physiological derangement. These guidelines should be used to improve outcomes for these high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) evidence-based protocols for perioperative care have led to improvements in outcomes in numerous surgical areas, through multimodal optimization of patient pathway, reduction of complications, improved patient experience and reduction in the length of stay. ERAS represent a relatively new paradigm in spine surgery.Purpose: This multidisciplinary consensus review summarizes the literature and proposes recommendations for the perioperative care of patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery with an ERAS program.Study Design: This is a review article.Methods: Under the impetus of the ERAS® society, a multidisciplinary guideline development group was constituted by bringing together international experts involved in the practice of ERAS and spine surgery. This group identified 22 ERAS items for lumbar fusion. A systematic search in the English language was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, and cohort studies were included, and the evidence was graded according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Consensus recommendation was reached by the group after a critical appraisal of the literature.Results: Two hundred fifty-six articles were included to develop the consensus statements for 22 ERAS items; one ERAS item (prehabilitation) was excluded from the final summary due to very poor quality and conflicting evidence in lumbar spinal fusion. From these remaining 21 ERAS items, 28 recommendations were included. All recommendations on ERAS protocol items are based on the best available evidence. These included nine preoperative, eleven intraoperative, and six postoperative recommendations. They span topics from preoperative patient education and nutritional evaluation, intraoperative anesthetic and surgical techniques, and postoperative multimodal analgesic strategies. The level of evidence for the use of each recommendation is presented.Conclusion: Based on the best evidence available for each ERAS item within the multidisciplinary perioperative care pathways, the ERAS® Society presents this comprehensive consensus review for perioperative care in lumbar fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lancet Commission and Global Surgery Foundation in 2015 highlighted the need for access to safe and affordable surgical and anesthetic care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [[1]]. To address this gap, the ERAS® Society, in partnership with the World Bank and perioperative leaders in LMICs, has undertaken the development of a generic perioperative ERAS® Society guideline for elective and emergency surgery. [Extracted from the article]

Background and purpose — There is a large volume of heterogeneous studies across all Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) components within total hip and total knee replacement surgery. This multidisciplinary consensus review summarizes the literature, and proposes recommendations for the perioperative care of patients undergoing total hip replacement and total knee replacement with an ERAS program. Methods — Studies were selected with particular attention being paid to meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and large prospective cohort studies that evaluated the efficacy of individual items of the perioperative treatment pathway to expedite the achievement of discharge criteria. A consensus recommendation was reached by the group after critical appraisal of the literature. Results — This consensus statement includes 17 topic areas. Best practice includes optimizing preoperative patient education, anesthetic technique, and transfusion strategy, in combination with an opioid-sparing multimodal analgesic approach and early mobilization. There is insufficient evidence to recommend that one surgical technique (type of approach, use of a minimally invasive technique, prosthesis choice, or use of computer-assisted surgery) over another will independently effect achievement of discharge criteria. Interpretation — Based on the evidence available for each element of perioperative care pathways, the ERAS® Society presents a comprehensive consensus review, for the perioperative care of patients undergoing total hip replacement and total knee replacement surgery within an ERAS® program. This unified protocol should now be further evaluated in order to refine the protocol and verify the strength of these recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been proven to enhance postoperative recovery, reduce morbidity, and reduce length of hospital stay after colorectal cancer surgery. However, despite the benefits of the ERAS program on short-term results, little is known about its impact on long-term results. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the association between adherence to the ERAS protocol and long-term survival after laparoscopic colorectal resection for non-metastatic cancer. Material and Methodology: Between 2013 and 2016, 350 patients underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection in the 2nd Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, and were enrolled for further analysis. The relationship between the rate of compliance with the ERAS protocol and 3-year survival was analyzed according to the Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank tests. Patients were divided into two groups according to their degree of adherence to the ERAS interventions: Group 1 (109 patients), < 80% adherence, and Group 2 (241 patients), ≥ 80% adherence. The primary outcome was overall 3-year survival. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and recovery parameters. Results: The groups were similar in terms of demographics and surgical parameters. The median compliance to ERAS interventions was 85.2%. The Cox proportional model showed that AJCC III (HR 3.28, 95% CI 1.61–6.59, p = 0.0021), postoperative complications (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.19–5.52, p = 0.0161), and compliance with ERAS protocol < 80% (HR 3.38, 95% CI 2.23–5.21, p = 0.0102) were independent predictors for poor prognosis. Additionally, analysis revealed that adherence to the ERAS protocol in Group 2 with ≥ 80% adherence was associated with a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (6 vs. 4 days, p < 0.0001), a lower rate of postoperative complications (44.7% vs. 23.3%, p < 0.0001), and improved functional recovery parameters: tolerance of oral diet (53.4% vs. 81.5%, p < 0.0001) and mobilization (77.7% vs. 96.1%, p < 0.0001) on the first postoperative day. Conclusions and Relevance: This study reports an association between adherence to the ERAS protocol and long-term survival after laparoscopic colorectal resection for non-metastatic cancer. Lower adherence to the protocol, independent from stage of cancer and postoperative complications, was an independent risk factors for poorer survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emergency surgery for colon cancer carries significant morbidity, and studies show more than doubled mortality when comparing elective to emergency surgery. The relationship between postoperative complications and survival has been outlined. Beta-blocker therapy has been linked to improved postoperative outcomes. This study aims to assess the impact of postoperative complications on long-term survival following emergency surgery for colon cancer and to determine whether beta-blockade can reduce complications. Study design: This cohort study utilized the prospective Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry to identify adults undergoing emergency colon cancer surgery between 2011 and 2016. Prescription data for preoperative beta-blocker therapy were collected from the national drug registry. Cox regression was used to evaluate the effect of beta-blocker exposure and complications on 1-year mortality, and Poisson regression was used to evaluate beta-blocker exposure in patients with major complications. Results: A total of 3139 patients were included with a mean age of 73.1 [12.4] of which 671 (21.4%) were prescribed beta-blockers prior to surgery. Major complications occurred in 375 (11.9%) patients. Those suffering major complications showed a threefold increase in 1-year mortality (adjusted HR = 3.29; 95% CI 2.75–3.94; p < 0.001). Beta-blocker use was linked to a 60% risk reduction in 1-year mortality (adjusted HR = 0.40; 95% CI 0.26–0.62; p < 0.001) but did not show a statistically significant association with reductions in major complications (adjusted IRR = 0.77; 95% CI 0.59–1.00; p = 0.055). Conclusion: The development of major complications after emergency colon cancer surgery is associated with increased mortality during one year after surgery. Beta-blocker therapy may protect against postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has increasingly been embraced by our adult surgical colleagues, but has been slow to crossover to pediatric surgical subspecialties. ERAS® improves outcomes through multiple, incremental steps that act synergistically throughout the entire surgical journey. In practice, ERAS® is a strategy of perioperative management that is defined by strong implementation and ongoing adherence to a patient-focused, multidisciplinary, and multimodal approach. There are increasing numbers of surgical teams exploring ERAS® in children and there is mounting evidence that this approach may improve surgical care for children across the globe. The first World Congress in Pediatric ERAS® in 2018 has set the stage for a new era in pediatric surgical safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]