Impact of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) on Length of Hospital Stay and Post Operative Outcomes Following Pancreatic Surgeries

Dr. Saubhagya Shikhar, Dr. Sudarshan Chaugale

Abstract: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach designed to reduce surgical stress and promote faster postoperative recovery. This observational study, conducted between April 2022 and April 2024, evaluated the feasibility and safety of an institutional-based ERAS protocol for patients undergoing pancreatic surgeries for benign conditions in India. The study compared outcomes between 35 patients in the ERAS group and 61 in the conventional care group, focusing on hospital stay, postoperative complications, and mortality. The results showed a significantly shorter hospital stay in the ERAS group (8.84 ? 3.35 days vs. 10.1 ? 4.2 days, P=0.04) without an increase in complications or readmission rates. ERAS patients also experienced earlier ambulation, reduced opioid use, and quicker removal of nasogastric tubes, Foley?s catheters, and drains. Although the benefits were more evident in open surgeries, further studies are needed to establish the impact of ERAS in laparoscopic pancreatic surgeries. The findings suggest that ERAS is a safe and feasible approach in the Indian healthcare setting, improving recovery while reducing hospital resource utilization.

Keywords: ERAS, pancreatic surgery, postoperative recovery, hospital stay, perioperative care