Compliance with an enhanced recovery pathway and postoperative outcomes in elderly colorectal cancer patients: a real-world cohort and structural pathway analysis.

RMB, P = 0.003). Readmission and 30-day mortality were low and similar between groups. SEM indicated that higher compliance directly reduced complications, CCI, and LOS, and indirectly reduced 30-day readmission via complications and LOS. In elderly colorectal cancer surgery, higher ERAS compliance is associated with lower morbidity, faster recovery, shorter LOS, and lower costs without increased short-term readmission or mortality, supporting efforts to monitor and improve adherence.