Objective: The present study examines the effectiveness of ERAS CD in improving postoperative recovery, patient satisfaction, and overall quality of life. By integrating the principles of ERAS into caesarean delivery care, the research aims to provide a comprehensive framework that healthcare providers can adopt to enhance surgical outcomes. Materials and methods: The present interim analysis is based on a cohort of a prospective study that is being presently carried out in a tertiary university hospital. Eligible women where those that delivered at term (gestational age greater than 37+0 weeks) with planned or emergent cesarean delivery. The progression of implementation of ERAS guidelines through time was considered the primary endpoint of this interim analysis. Results: Overall, 100 patients were included in this pilot study that involves a proportion of a larger cohort that aims to recruit 600 patients. Among recruited patients a significant proportion achieved the pre-requisite of successful completion of at least 80% of the components of ERAS CD according to current guidelines. Following sub-grouping of our cohort in 4 distinct periods that included 25 women each to evaluate the integration of ERAS CD we observed a transitional increase in the proportion of patients undergoing ERAS, that did not, however, reach statistical significance (p=.188). Nevertheless, the proportion of patients that achieved optimal ERAS CD coverage doubled between the first and fourth period, indicating positive results. Significantly, less complications were noted in the ERAS CD group, compared to controls (4/50 vs 19/50 complications, p=.002). The interval to postoperative flatus and stool significantly differed, favoring again the ERAS CD group. Conclusion: Our research augments the growing global evidence that ERAC protocols improve maternal recovery by promoting earlier gastrointestinal function, mitigating postoperative discomfort, and reducing minor complications, all while ensuring safety.
Daras et al. (Fri,) studied this question.