Authors

  1. Baimas-George, Maria MD
  2. Cochran, Allyson MSPH
  3. Tezber, Kendra MSN, RN
  4. Kirks, Russell C. MD
  5. Addor, Valerie RN
  6. Baker, Erin MD
  7. Martinie, John MD
  8. Iannitti, David MD
  9. Vrochides, Dionisios MD, PhD, FACS, FRCSC

Abstract

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs reduce recovery time, length of stay (LOS), and complications after major surgical procedures.

 

Purpose: We evaluated our 2-year experience with a newly implemented comprehensive ERAS program at a high-volume center after pancreatic surgery.

 

Methods: Outcomes, cost, and compliance metrics were assessed in 215 patients who underwent elective pancreatic surgery (pre-ERAS; n = 99; post-ERAS: n = 116). Mann-Whitney U and [chi]2 tests were used to evaluate continuous and categorical variables.

 

Results: There were significant decreases in LOS and cost in the post-ERAS cohorts. There were significant increases in compliance with ERAS implementation. Postoperative complication, readmission, and survival rates did not increase.

 

Conclusions: Implementation of ERAS at a large-volume hospital may improve compliance and reduce costs and LOS without increasing adverse outcomes.