Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols for radical cystectomy surgery: review of current evidence and local protocols

Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) remains a morbid procedure. The use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways has proven to reduce care time and post-operative complications after colorectal surgery. There is a high potential for reducing morbidity associated with RC by utilizing ERAS in this setting. The purpose of this review is to examine the current evidence for ERAS in preoperative, intra-operative and post-operative setting of care for RC patients and to propose ERAS evidence-based protocol for patients undergoing RC in the Australian and New Zealand environment.

Preoperative: Patient's medical optimization, avoidance of oral mechanical bowel preparation and emphasis on preoperative administration of high-energy carbohydrate drinks from colorectal literature has led to inclusion of these strategies in the preoperative considerations of ERAS in RC.

Intra-operative: Epidural analgesia has an integral role in reducing surgical stress response, improving analgesia and expediting functional recovery and should be included in ERAS RC protocols. Of relevance is 72 h maximum length of its duration. With regard to minimally invasive approach to RC, despite encouraging results from high-volume centres, high-level evidence in this field are lacking (ongoing clinical trials). Standardized anaesthetic protocols with particular emphasis on perioperative fluid management are essential components of ERAS protocols.

Post-operative: Avoidance of routine nasogastric tube placement, early mobilization and multifaceted approach to optimization of gut function and elimination of post-operative ileus are the cornerstones of post-operative care in the setting of ERAS in RC patients.