Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) versus conventional postoperative care in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomies

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we aimed to compare the postoperative compliance and complications between ERAS and conventional postoperative care in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is the prospective, randomized, controlled trial, which involved 62 patients, who underwent abdominal hysterectomy between December 2016 to February 2017. A total of 30 patients formed the ERAS group. A total of 32 patients who received conventional perioperative care and matched for age, body mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were assigned as a control group. Groups were compared in terms of patient characteristics [age, body mass index, ASA Score, parity, diagnosis, type of surgery, and perioperative intravenous fluids], postoperative compliance (postoperative intravenous fluids, time to first flatus, first defecation, ambulation, eating solid food, and postoperative hospital stay), and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Peri- and post-operative administrated intravenous fluids were significantly lower in the ERAS group (p < 0.001 for both). Time to first flatus (p = 0.001), time to first defecation (p < 0.001), and time to eating solid food (p < 0.001) were all significantly shorter in the ERAS group. Post-operative early mobilization on the first postoperative day was achieved in eight (26.7%) patients in the ERAS group. There were no significant differences in complications. One (3.3%) patient in the ERAS Group and 11 (34.4%) patients in the Conventional Group required hospital readmission after discharge (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The ERAS protocol seems to be a simple tool for reducing the incidence of postoperative complications and shortening hospitalization.