Enhanced recovery after surgery in patients undergoing scoliosis correction surgery: protocol for a systematic review...

Scoliosis correction surgery is associated with significant perioperative morbidity and prolonged recovery. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, which employ evidence-based, multimodal perioperative care, have been increasingly used in spinal surgery to improve patient outcomes. However, their efficacy and safety in scoliosis correction surgery remain unclear.

This protocol describes a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA-P guidelines. We will systematically search electronic databases from inception to January 2026 for randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing ERAS protocols with conventional care in patients undergoing scoliosis correction surgery. The primary outcome will be length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes will include postoperative complications, pain intensity, opioid consumption, time to ambulation, readmission rates, patient satisfaction, healthcare costs, and adverse events. Two independent reviewers will screen studies, extract data, and assess methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool version 2 for randomized trials and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions tool for non-randomized studies. Meta-analysis will be performed using Review Manager version 5.4 and Stata version 17 when feasible. The certainty of evidence will be assessed using the GRADE approach.

This systematic review and meta-analysis will synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness and safety of ERAS protocols in scoliosis correction surgery. The findings are expected to inform clinical practice, support guideline development, and highlight gaps for future research. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication and scientific meetings.

PROSPERO, CRD420251089411.