Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Protocols Expanded over Multiple Service Lines Improves Patient Care and Hospital Cost

Abstract

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) may improve patients’ postoperative course. Our center implemented the ERAS protocol for the colorectal service in 2016, and then expanded to multiple service lines over the course of 1.5 years. Our aim was to determine whether broad implementation of ERAS protocols across different service lines could improve patient care. All ERAS patients from 2018 were captured prospectively. For each service line using ERAS, one full year of data preceding ERAS was compared. ERAS service lines included colorectal, gynecology laparoscopic, gynecology open, hepatopancreaticobiliary, urology – nephrectomy and cystectomy, spinal fusion, cardiac surgery—coronary artery bypass grafting. ERAS and pre-ERAS services were compared based on length of stay (LOS), complications, readmission, and mortality rates. In addition, hospital costs were collected during this time frame. ERAS protocols significantly decreased LOS for colorectal, gynecology, and spine. Complications were significantly decreased in colorectal, gynecology, urology, and spine. Readmissions did not significantly increase in any service line except spine. There was no significant change in mortality. ERAS proved to save the hospital 1847 days and cost saving of almost $5 million in 2018. Implementing ERAS broadly improved patient outcomes (LOS, complications, readmission, and mortality) while providing cost savings to the hospital.