Results From an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery for Colorectal Surgery Cohort
METHODS: From January 2013 to April 2015, data from 1140 consecutive patients were collected for all patients before (pre-ERAS) and after (ERAS) implementation of an ERAS program. Compliance with 9 specific process measures directly influenced by the anesthesiologist or acute pain service was analyzed to determine the impact on hospital length of stay (LOS).
RESULTS: Process measure compliance was associated with a stepwise reduction in LOS. Patients who received >4 process measures (high compliance) had a significantly shorter LOS (incident rate ratio [IRR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.70–0.85); P < .001) compared to low compliance (0–2 process measures) counterparts. Multivariable regression suggests that utilization of multimodal nausea and vomiting prophylaxis (IRR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68–0.89; P < .001), scheduled postoperative nonsteroidal pain medication use (IRR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67–0.85; P < .001), and strict adherence to a postoperative opioid administration (IRR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.51–0.67; P < .001) protocol for breakthrough pain were independently associated with reduced LOS.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that increased compliance with process measures directly influenced by the anesthesiologists and in concert with a formal anesthesia protocol is associated with reduced LOS. Engaging anesthesiology colleagues throughout the surgical encounter increases the overall value of perioperative care.
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