Structured Synchronous Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery Program in Elective Colonic Surgery in 33 Hospitals in The Netherlands

Freek Gillissen*, Christiaan Hoff, Jose M. C. Maessen, Bjorn Winkens, Jitske H. F. A. Teeuwen, Maarten F. von Meyenfeldt, Cornelis H. C. Dejong

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

It has been clearly shown that after elective colorectal surgery patients benefit from multimodal perioperative care programs. The Dutch Institute for Health Care Improvement started a breakthrough project to implement a multimodal perioperative care program of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This pre/post noncontrolled study evaluated the success of large-scale implementation of the ERAS program for elective colonic surgery using the breakthrough series. A total of 33 hospitals participated in this breakthrough project during 2005-2009. Each hospital performed a retrospective chart review to gather information on traditionally treated patients (pre-ERAS group, n = 1,451). During the subsequent year patients were treated according to the ERAS program (ERAS group, n = 1 034). Outcomes were length of stay (LOS), functional recovery, adherence to the protocol, and determinants of reduced LOS. Median LOS decreased significantly from 9 to 6 days (p <0.001). In the ERAS group, functional recovery was reached within 3 days. Adherence to the protocol elements was high during the preoperative and perioperative phases but slightly lower during the postoperative phase. Younger age, female sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists grades I/II, and laparoscopic surgery were associated with decreased LOS. Care elements that positively influenced LOS were cessation of intravenous fluids and mobilization on postoperative day 1 and administration of laxatives postoperatively. The ERAS program was successfully implemented in one-third of all Dutch hospitals using the breakthrough series. Participating hospitals reduced the LOS by a median 3 days and were able to improve their standard of care in elective colonic surgery.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1082-1093
JournalWorld Journal of Surgery
Volume37
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2013

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