BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to improve patient care, reducing complication rates, and shortening hospital stay following colorectal surgery in Europe. In cooperation with colorectal surgeons, ERAS protocols were initially introduced in our hospital to the patients undergoing open colorectal resection in July 2010. METHODS: Length of postoperative hospital stay was compared of 139 consecutive patients undergoing open colorectal resection before (n = 96) and immediately after implementing ERAS (n = 43). RESULTS: In the ERAS group, length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly reduced from 12.7 +/- 7.7 to 9.3 +/- 6.2 days (P < 0.0001). Oral intake, one of important ERAS elements, both before and after surgery had dramatically changed, implying tolerance of ERAS protocol in Japan. CONCLUSIONS: We, anesthesiologists as perioperative physicians, can improve key elements of perioperative care such as patients' counseling, perioperative analgesia and early mobilization by collaboration with surgeons and nurses, to facilitate postoperative recovery.
BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to improve patient care, reducing complication rates, and shortening hospital stay following colorectal surgery in Europe. In cooperation with colorectal surgeons, ERAS protocols were initially introduced in our hospital to the patients undergoing open colorectal resection in July 2010. METHODS: Length of postoperative hospital stay was compared of 139 consecutive patients undergoing open colorectal resection before (n = 96) and immediately after implementing ERAS (n = 43). RESULTS: In the ERAS group, length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly reduced from 12.7 +/- 7.7 to 9.3 +/- 6.2 days (P < 0.0001). Oral intake, one of important ERAS elements, both before and after surgery had dramatically changed, implying tolerance of ERAS protocol in Japan. CONCLUSIONS: We, anesthesiologists as perioperative physicians, can improve key elements of perioperative care such as patients' counseling, perioperative analgesia and early mobilization by collaboration with surgeons and nurses, to facilitate postoperative recovery.