Enhanced Recovery After Intraspinal Tumor Surgery: A Single-Institutional Randomized Controlled Study

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Oncology
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Intraspinal tumors require complex surgical management.
• Optimizing perioperative care is crucial for patient outcomes.
• Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to improve surgical recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an ERAS program for intraspinal tumor surgery.
• To compare outcomes between ERAS protocol and conventional care.

Main Methods:

• Prospective randomized controlled trial involving 94 patients.
• Patients were randomized into ERAS protocol group (48) and conventional care group (46).
• Primary endpoint: postoperative length of stay; Secondary endpoints: pain, medication use, ambulation, complications, satisfaction, cost.

Main Results:

• ERAS group showed significantly shorter length of stay (5 vs. 8 days).
• ERAS group experienced reduced pain scores, less opioid use, earlier catheter removal, and improved ambulation.
• Patient satisfaction was higher in the ERAS group; no significant differences in mortality, reoperation, or complication rates were observed.

Conclusions:

• The ERAS protocol is feasible, effective, and safe for intraspinal tumor surgery.
• ERAS shortens hospital stay, improves pain management, and accelerates recovery.
• Wider adoption of spine ERAS programs is encouraged, pending larger multicenter trials.