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Introduction: The ERAS protocol is a set of international guidelines established to expedite patients' discharge after colorectal surgery. It does this by aiming to prevent postoperative complications early, and return the patient to normal function allowing earlier discharge. Complications such as PONV, DVT, ileus and pain are common after surgery to name a few, and delay discharge. Early treatment and prevention of these complications however is suggested to aid a patients' return to home at earlier rates than traditional practice. Methods: A prospective chart review and questionnaire was performed on patients undergoing colorectal surgery in UHL in a 6-month period from February to September 2023. Patients were approached on the 3rd day postoperatively and informed about the project. Exclusion criteria included patients who went to HDU or ICU postoperatively. Results: In total, 33 patients were recruited. A target of greater than 70% compliance was reached for a variety of the elements of the ERAS protocol such as laparoscopic surgery, preoperative assessments, nutritional drinks, LMWH, oral intake within 24 h of surgery, and intraoperative antiemetics. Unsatisfactory compliance was found with documentation of postoperative antibiotics use of preoperative gabapentin. Conclusion: UHL has a satisfactory compliance of over 70% with a large variety of elements of the ERAS protocol. Areas of improvement required include postoperative antibiotic and preoperative gabapentin usage. With the collective effort of the multidisciplinary team, along with education, the ERAS protocol can successfully be applied and implemented in a model 4 hospital in Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Approximately 7000 total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgeries occur in Ireland each year. A number of preoperative factors have been identified that increase the risk of postoperative blood transfusion after THA, including anaemia. The ability to identify patients at risk may allow preoperative management strategies to reduce blood transfusions. Data from Irish orthopaedic patients is currently lacking. Aim: To investigate if preoperative anaemia and other factors are associated with postoperative blood transfusions in patients who undergo THA. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent THA in 2019 in SIVUH, Cork, using medical chart review. Results: In total, 350 charts met the inclusion criteria, with 291 charts reviewed. 8.9% of the patients who underwent THA had preoperative anaemia. Among these, 19.2% had a postoperative blood transfusion, compared to 1.5% of patients who were not anaemic preoperatively. The odds of receiving a blood transfusion was 15.5 times greater in the preoperative anaemia group compared to the non-anaemic group. Increasing age and higher ASA scores were associated with preoperative anaemia and postoperative blood transfusions. Length of stay was increased by 2.2 days (p < 0.00016) if blood transfusion was required. Conclusion: Preoperative anaemia was common in an Irish orthopaedic population undergoing THA. Preoperative anaemia predisposes patients to the greatest increased risk of postoperative blood transfusions. The other factors associated with the need for postoperative transfusion were ASA grade 3 or more and age greater than 65 years. Patients who received postoperative blood transfusions had a significantly increased length of hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]