A Modified Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS): Use and Surgical Outcome in Breast Cancer Patients

Background: ERAS protocols are perioperative interventions aimed at reducing postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS) and early return to normal activities. This has improved outcome in many surgical specialties, including breast surgery. We present the surgical outcome of breast cancer (BC) patients treated over a 12-month period following the principle of ERAS protocols and highlight the underpinning evidence. Methods: A retrospective analysis of all BC patients diagnosed and had breast cancer surgery over 12 months. Data collected included patient’s demographics, type of surgery, LOS, other perioperative care and significant postoperative complications. Excluded were patients with bilateral cancer surgeries, diagnostic excision, margin clearance or breast reconstruction. Results: There were 621 BC diagnosed including 5 male and 12 bilateral female BC. The ages ranged from 25 to 93 years. Excluding bilateral BC, 351 patients (70.2 %) had breast conserving surgery (BCS) while 149 (29.8%) patients had mastectomy as index cancer surgery. Sixteen (4.5%) of the women who initially underwent BCS subsequently had a completion mastectomy. The overall rate of successful BCS was 335/500 (67%). 441 (85.5%) of patients were discharged same or next day. 12 (7.2%) cases of postoperative haematoma, 6 cases of wound infection and a case of seroma requiring surgical/radiological drainage recorded. Conclusion: ERAS protocol in BC surgery is associated with decreased LOS and low complication rate. Delayed discharges are mostly due to adverse social factors and medical comorbidity rather than post-operative surgical complications.