Long-Term Outcomes Following Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery after Cardiac Surgery (ERACS) Program

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol strategies can shorten the hospital stays and ICU stays of patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the long-term quality of life (QOL) and survival of patients undergoing the ERAS protocol. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted between July 2015 and November 2016. A QOL was applied in both groups after 3 years, and assessment scores were compared. QOL was measured by the Short-Form 36 health survey (SF-36). The mortality rate and the incidence of adverse events were analyzed statistically. Results: The questionnaire return rate after 3 years was 73.66%. There were no significant differences noted between the two groups with regard to preoperative risk factors on admission or the questionnaire return rate. No intergroup difference was observed in SF-36 scores at 3 years after discharge (p>0.05). The incidence of cardiovascular-related adverse events was lower in the ERAS group than in the control group 3 years after the surgery (p＝0.01). Conclusion: Our results showed that there was no significant difference in survival or quality of life between the two groups three years after surgery. Except the incidence of cardiovascular-related adverse events, ERACS procedures have no effect on long-term outcomes.