[Do initial experience with an enhanced recovery program after surgery (ERAS) improve postoperative outcomes after...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Enhanced Recovery Protocols

Background:

• Radical cystectomy is a major surgery for bladder cancer.
• Optimizing postoperative recovery is crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and impact of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study comparing a historical control group (pre-ERAS) with an intervention group (post-ERAS).
• Key outcomes included postoperative length of stay, complication rates (Clavien ≥3B), readmission, and ileus.
• Data from 97 patients (56 control, 41 ERAS) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The ERAS group demonstrated a significantly shorter median postoperative length of stay (14 days vs. 19 days).
• Major complication rates were lower in the ERAS group (12.1% vs. 23.2%), though not statistically significant.
• Nasogastric tube reinsertion and readmission rates showed no significant difference between groups.

Conclusions:

• Implementing an ERAS program after radical cystectomy is feasible and improves postoperative management.
• ERAS significantly reduces the median postoperative length of stay.
• ERAS shows potential for faster return of bowel function and reduction in major complications.