Does the Implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Guidelines Improve Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery? A Propensity Score Analysis in 464 Patients

International audience; BACKGROUND:The aim of this study was to investigate whether the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines according to Thorell and co. in our tertiary referral bariatric center might improve post-operative outcomes.METHODS:ERAS program was introduced in our center since January 1, 2017. Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database identified patients who underwent laparoscopic primary and revisional bariatric surgeries from October 2005 to January 2018. Patients exposed to ERAS program ("ERAS group") were matched in a 1:1 ratio with patients exposed to conventional care (control group) using a propensity score based on age, gender, preoperative body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, and the type of procedures. The primary outcome was total hospital length of stay (LOS) and the secondary outcomes included the post-operative complications and readmission rates.RESULTS:During the study period, 464 patients were included, 232 in each group. Implementation of the ERAS protocol was significantly associated with a reduction of LOS (2.47 ± 1.7 vs 5.39 ± 1.9 days, p