The Role of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols in Improving Postoperative Outcomes in Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are evidence-based perioperative care pathways designed to reduce surgical stress, accelerate recovery, and improve clinical outcomes following major surgery. Objective: To evaluate the role of ERAS protocols in improving postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex MTI Peshawar from august 2024 to august 2025 and included 220 patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. Patients were divided into ERAS (n=110) and conventional care (n=110) groups. Results: The mean age of patients was 52.6 ± 13.4 years, and 60.0% were male. Patients managed with ERAS protocols demonstrated significantly earlier oral intake (18.6 ± 5.4 vs. 42.3 ± 9.8 hours; p<0.001), earlier bowel movement (2.1 ± 0.8 vs. 3.7 ± 1.1 days; p<0.001), shorter hospital stay (5.2 ± 1.7 vs. 8.6 ± 2.4 days; p<0.001), lower pain scores (3.8 ± 1.3 vs. 5.9 ± 1.8; p<0.001), and higher rates of early mobilization (85.5% vs. 46.4%; p<0.001). Overall postoperative complications were significantly lower in the ERAS group (17.3% vs. 34.5%; p=0.004), including reduced surgical site infections, pulmonary complications, and postoperative ileus. ERAS adherence was strongly associated with improved postoperative outcomes (p<0.001). Conclusion: ERAS protocols significantly enhance postoperative recovery and reduce complications following gastrointestinal surgery.

Ҳали таржима қилинмаган