Enhanced recovery protocols in urological surgery: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to optimize patient care and recovery post-major surgery.
• Complex urological procedures present unique challenges for patient recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review current evidence on perioperative care in complex urological surgery.
• To assess the role and recommendations of ERAS protocols in this surgical domain.

Main Methods:

• Conducted systematic searches across major databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
• Included relevant conference abstracts and bibliographies to ensure comprehensive data retrieval.

Main Results:

• Six studies met inclusion criteria, focusing on radical cystectomy and various renal surgeries (open, laparoscopic, partial nephrectomy).
• ERAS protocols demonstrated a reduction in inpatient stay duration.
• No significant increase in morbidity was observed in patients managed with ERAS compared to traditional care.

Conclusions:

• ERAS protocols are effective in reducing hospital length of stay for major urological surgeries.
• Implementation of ERAS does not appear to increase patient morbidity or mortality.