Experience of implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery in colorectal surgeries in rashid hospital

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery guidelines in colorectal surgery state that there is improvement in general post-operative outcomes including reduction in operative complications and 30 days readmission rates. These recommendations were originating from high flow, excellence and academic centers. Aim and objectives: Demonstrating the feasibility of ERAS protocols application in low-flow centres as our hospital is the aim of this study. Materials and Method: A retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary hospital. A total of 99 patients were included over a period of 6 years from January 2014 till January 2020 for all elective colorectal cases after being filtered through inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided into two groups Pre-ERAS (n=29) and ERAS group (n=70) starting from August 2016 the date of beginning implementation of the local protocol. Results: It was observed that there was statistical significance in reducing the length of hospital stay from an average of 13 days in Pre-ERAS to average of 8 days in the ERAS group and a decrease in day 1 post-operative pain score were achieved without adverse impact in surgery related morbidities or readmission rate. Conclusion: ERAS protocol can be applied to improve surgical outcomes in colorectal surgery without increased risk of complications.