Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) protocol implementation in a laparoscopic center

Area of Science:

• Bariatric Surgery
• Surgical Protocols
• Patient Recovery

Background:

• Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery (ERABS) protocols integrate preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative strategies.
• ERABS aims to optimize surgical patient management and outcomes.
• Evaluating ERABS impact on length of stay and complications is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of the ERABS protocol on length of hospital stay (LOS).
• To determine the impact of ERABS on postoperative complication rates.
• To evaluate ERABS influence on patient readmissions and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 200 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) from 2015-2018.
• Comparison between a pre-ERABS group (2015-2017) and an ERABS group (2018).
• Primary outcome: LOS; Secondary outcomes: readmission rates and 30-day postoperative complications.

Main Results:

• The ERABS group (80 patients) had a median LOS of 2 days, significantly shorter than the pre-ERABS group (120 patients) with 4 days (p < .0001).
• No significant differences observed in postoperative complication rates between the groups.
• Readmission rates and mortality showed no significant variations.

Conclusions:

• ERABS protocol implementation is associated with improved postoperative recovery.
• Early patient discharge is feasible with ERABS without compromising safety.
• ERABS does not increase postoperative complications, readmissions, or mortality.