Recovery after open and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a comparison.

Background: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programs have gained popularity with potential to accelerate recovery and reduce morbidity after colectomy. We were interested in comparing recovery after open right colectomy within an ERAS program compared with laparoscopic right colectomy in a standard care perioperative environment.
Methods: Between October 2005 and June 2009, prospective data were collected on consecutive patients undergoing elective open right colectomy within an established ERAS setting (OpERAS). Similarly, between March 2008 and June 2009, data were collected on consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with conventional care (LapCon). Exclusion criteria for both groups were: ASA >or= 4, formation of a stoma, and dementia or mental illness rendering the patient unable to comply with instructions. Perioperative variables were collected. The surgical recovery score (SRS) was used as a validated means to measure convalescence on d 1, 3, 7, 30, and 60 postoperatively.
Results: There were 74 patients in the OpERAS and 39 patients in the LapCon groups. At baseline, there were no significant demographic differences except that more patients had malignancy in OpERAS group. Mean operating time was longer in the LapCon group. Median day stay was 4 (3-28) in OpERAS and 5 (2-18) in LapCon (P = 0.032). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of complications or the severity of complications. There were no significant differences in SRS after surgery at any time point.
Conclusion: When perioperative care is optimized, recovery after elective open right hemicolectomy is comparable with laparoscopic resection. Studies looking at the combination of laparoscopy and ERAS are warranted.
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