Impact of Enhanced Recovery Program after Surgery in Patients Undergoing Pancreatectomy on Postoperative Outcomes: A Controlled before and after Study

Background: Implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program after pancreatic surgery was associated with decreased length of stay (LOS). However, there were only retrospective uncontrolled before-after study, and care protocols were heterogeneous. We aimed to evaluate the impact of ERAS program on postoperative outcomes after pancreatectomy through a prospective controlled study.

Methods: A before/after study with a contemporary control group was undertaken in patients undergoing pancreatectomy. We compared 2 groups: the intervention hospital that implemented ERAS program and the control hospital that performed traditional care; and 2 periods: the preimplementation and the post-implementation period. A difference-in-differences approach was used to evaluate whether implementation of ERAS program was associated with improved LOS and postoperative morbidity.

Results: About 97 and 75 patients were included in intervention and control hospital. In multivariate analysis, implementation of ERAS was associated with a significantly shorten LOS (hazard ratio 1.61; 95% CI 1.07-2.44) and higher compliance rate (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.18-1.53). Difference-in-differences analysis revealed that LOS, morbidity, and readmission did not differ after ERAS implementation.

Conclusion: Implementation of ERAS program was safe and effective after pancreatectomy with high compliance rate. LOS was significantly reduced without compromising morbidity.