A preliminary outcome of modified enhanced recovery protocol versus standard of care in radical cystectomy: an Indonesian experience

Background This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol and standard of care (SC) in bladder cancer patients who underwent radical cystectomy (RC). The length of stay and complications rates were the primary outcomes. Time functional recovery, bowel movement, mobilization, drain removal, and other perioperative outcomes were the secondary outcomes. Methods A cohort retrospective study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the modified ERAS protocol compared to SC in 61 patients who underwent RC (36 ERAS vs. 25 SC). Results The modified ERAS protocol was associated with shorter length of stay (9.3 ± 5.0 days vs. 12.6 ± 6.7 days,P = 0.032) and reduction in important postoperative milestones, including days to first solid diet (3.5 ± 1.6 vs. 5.5 ± 1.5,P = 0.000), days to first defecation (4.8 ± 2.4 vs. 7.2 ± 2.4,P = 0.001), days to first walking (4.7 ± 2.2 vs. 7.9 ± 2.4,P = 0.000), and days to drain removal (3.9 ± 1.3 vs. 5.9 ± 2.5P = 0.001). Postoperative complications rates were lower in the modified ERAS groups, but the result was not statistically significant (P = 0.282). Also, there were no significant differences between transfusion requiring, intensive care monitoring, re-operation, and re-admission between groups. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the modified ERAS protocol for RC can accelerate postoperative recovery without any adverse effects on morbidity and mortality.