Abigail E Smith1, Kurt Heiss2, Krista J Childress3. 1. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA. 2. Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. 3. Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; Division of Gynecologic Specialties, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Electronic address: krista.j.childress@gmail.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been successfully implemented in adult gynecology as well as adult and pediatric colorectal and urologic surgery with reduction in narcotic use, complications, return to the system (RTS), length of stay (LOS) and improvement in patient satisfaction. There are no studies evaluating the use of ERAS in pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG). The goals of this study are to present initial patient outcomes using ERAS in PAG patients undergoing intraabdominal gynecologic surgery to prove efficacy, patient satisfaction, and decreased narcotic use. DESIGN: As a quality improvement measure in perioperative care, an ERAS protocol including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative components and a follow-up patient telephone call for pain assessment was implemented for all intraabdominal gynecologic procedures. A retrospective study on implementation of ERAS components, outcomes, and patient satisfaction was then performed on participants meeting inclusion criteria. SETTING: Large academic children's hospital PARTICIPANTS: Patients < 25 years who underwent laparoscopic (LSC) or open abdominal (XLAP) gynecologic surgery using an ERAS protocol by the PAG service over a 12-month period. INTERVENTIONS: An ERAS protocol including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative components and follow-up patient telephone call for pain assessment was implemented for all major gynecologic surgeries performed by the PAG service. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient satisfaction with the perioperative ERAS protocol along with components including pain management, narcotic use, LOS, RTS and postoperative complications for various intraabdominal gynecologic procedures. RESULTS: 40 participants met inclusion criteria for the study. Thirty-four (85%) participants underwent LSC procedures and six (15%) underwent XLAP. Ninety-five percent of LSC patients were discharged on postoperative day zero and all XLAP patients and one LSC patient were discharged on postoperative day one. Ninety-five percent of patients were discharged from the hospital requiring only non-narcotic ERAS medications. There were no re-admissions or postoperative complications. All patients were satisfied with their postoperative pain control at their follow-up telephone call and clinic visit. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a pediatric-specific ERAS protocol in children and adolescents undergoing gynecologic surgery is feasible, safe, and leads to less narcotic use without an increase in complications or decrease in patient satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been successfully implemented in adult gynecology as well as adult and pediatric colorectal and urologic surgery with reduction in narcotic use, complications, return to the system (RTS), length of stay (LOS) and improvement in patient satisfaction. There are no studies evaluating the use of ERAS in pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG). The goals of this study are to present initial patient outcomes using ERAS in PAG patients undergoing intraabdominal gynecologic surgery to prove efficacy, patient satisfaction, and decreased narcotic use. DESIGN: As a quality improvement measure in perioperative care, an ERAS protocol including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative components and a follow-up patient telephone call for pain assessment was implemented for all intraabdominal gynecologic procedures. A retrospective study on implementation of ERAS components, outcomes, and patient satisfaction was then performed on participants meeting inclusion criteria. SETTING: Large academic children's hospital PARTICIPANTS: Patients < 25 years who underwent laparoscopic (LSC) or open abdominal (XLAP) gynecologic surgery using an ERAS protocol by the PAG service over a 12-month period. INTERVENTIONS: An ERAS protocol including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative components and follow-up patient telephone call for pain assessment was implemented for all major gynecologic surgeries performed by the PAG service. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient satisfaction with the perioperative ERAS protocol along with components including pain management, narcotic use, LOS, RTS and postoperative complications for various intraabdominal gynecologic procedures. RESULTS: 40 participants met inclusion criteria for the study. Thirty-four (85%) participants underwent LSC procedures and six (15%) underwent XLAP. Ninety-five percent of LSC patients were discharged on postoperative day zero and all XLAP patients and one LSC patient were discharged on postoperative day one. Ninety-five percent of patients were discharged from the hospital requiring only non-narcotic ERAS medications. There were no re-admissions or postoperative complications. All patients were satisfied with their postoperative pain control at their follow-up telephone call and clinic visit. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a pediatric-specific ERAS protocol in children and adolescents undergoing gynecologic surgery is feasible, safe, and leads to less narcotic use without an increase in complications or decrease in patient satisfaction.