Adherence to ERAS protocols associated with fewer postop complications

Editor's Note

An increased in adherence to Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols was associated with a decrease in postoperative complications in this study.

Of 2,084 patients analyzed, 566 had moderate to severe postoperative complications. The number of patients with moderate to severe complications was lower in the ERAS group (25.2% vs 30.3%)

Patients receiving care at a facility that adhered closely to ERAS protocols had a lower number of postoperative complications, regardless of whether the facility had established ERAS protocols.

The study shows that having ERAS protocols is not enough to improve outcomes, but an increase in adherence to the protocols is associated with a decrease in postoperative complications. Therefore, continuous auditing of adherence to ERAS and postoperative outcomes is essential, the authors note.