Aim: In 2014, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center was identified as an outlier for increased length of stay (LOS) after colorectal surgery. We subsequently implemented a comprehensive Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program in January 2016, which is continually monitored to target areas for improvement. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a newly established ERAS program in a high-volume colorectal center over time.
Method: This was a retrospective cohort study, comparing 3000 sequential cancer patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery before and after ERAS implementation. Patients were divided into three groups (Pre-, Early, and Late ERAS). Adherence to ERAS process measures and outcomes (LOS, complications, and 30-day readmission) were compared among the three time periods.
Results: Adherence to ERAS metrics significantly increased over time, from a median of 25% Pre-ERAS to 67% Early and 75% Late ERAS (p < 0.0001). Mean LOS decreased from 5.2 days Pre-ERAS to 4.5 Early and 4.0 Late ERAS (p < 0.0001). There were no differences in rates of complications or readmissions, and patients with shorter LOS had lower readmission rates. With ERAS, the readmission rate was 4.4% for patients discharged within 3 days, versus >10% for LOS ≥5 days (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Initiation of an ERAS program at a high-volume colorectal center was associated with decreased LOS, without increasing morbidity. Increased ERAS adherence was associated with a further decrease in LOS. Multidisciplinary monitoring to promote protocol adherence is necessary for maintaining a safe and effective ERAS program.
Keywords: adherence; colorectal surgery; enhanced recovery after surgery; enhanced recovery program.