Enhanced recovery after elective colectomy in a regional hospital in Hong Kong

Background Laparoscopic colorectal surgery with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has been popular. It was shown to reduce hospital stay. Objective To ascertain the effect of implementing laparoscopic colorectal surgery with ERAS protocol, even if there is no rehabilitation service after discharge. Results Three hundred and thirteen patients were recruited in total, 141 patients in the ERAS group (year 2019) and 172 patients in the control group (year 2016). Length of hospital stay was significantly less in the ERAS group (5 days in ERAS group vs 6 days in control group, p < 0.01). Major surgical complication was similar among the two groups (7.1% vs 4.1%, p = 0.24). Post‐op ileus rate, readmission rate and mortality did not significantly differ among the two groups. Regression analysis showed that the ERAS protocol and female gender are associated with a reduction in postoperative length of hospital stay. Conclusion Laparoscopic colorectal surgery with ERAS protocol is associated with a shorter postoperative length of hospital stay. Further assessment is needed to clarify the causal relationship.