Other outcome parameters were unsuitable for meta- analysis , but seemed to favour ERAS .
Analysis shows a reduction in overall complications , but major complications were not reduced .
Length of stay was reduced significantly .
We state that ERAS seems safe , but the quality of trials and lack of sufficient other outcome parameters do not justify implementation of ERAS as the st and ard of care .
Within ERAS protocol s included , no answer regarding the role for minimally invasive surgery ( i.e. laparoscopy ) was found .
BACKGROUND In recent years the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery ( ERAS ) postoperative pathway in (ileo-)colorectal surgery , aim ing at improving perioperative care and decreasing postoperative complications , has become more common .
OBJECTIVES We investigated the effectiveness and safety of the ERAS multimodal strategy , compared to conventional care after (ileo-)colorectal surgery .
The primary research question was whether ERAS protocol s lead to less morbidity and secondary whether length of stay was reduced .
Functional Recovery After Open Versus Laparoscopic Colonic Resection: A Randomized, Blinded Study
Background : Laparoscopic colonic surgery has been cl aim ed to hasten recovery and reduce hospital stay compared with open operation . Recently , enforced multimodal rehabilitation ( fast-track surgery ) has improved recovery and reduced hospital stay in both laparoscopic and open colonic surgery . Since no comparative data between laparoscopic and open colonic resection with multimodal rehabilitation are available , the value of laparoscopy per se is unknown . Methods : In a r and omized , observer- and -patient , blinded trial , 60 patients ( median age 75 years ) underwent elective laparoscopic or open colonic resection with fast-track rehabilitation and planned discharge after 48 hours .  Functional recovery was assessed in detail during the first postoperative month . Results : Median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days in both groups , with early and similar recovery to normal activities as assessed by hours of mobilization per day , computerized monitoring of motor activity assessed , pulmonary function , cardiovascular response to treadmill exercise , pain , sleep quality , fatigue , and return to normal gastrointestinal function . There were no significant differences in postoperative morbidity , mortality , or readmissions , although 3 patients died in the open versus nil in the laparoscopic group . Conclusion : Functional recovery after colonic resection is rapid with a multimodal rehabilitation regimen and without differences between open and laparoscopic operation . Further large-scale studies are required on potential differences in serious morbidity and mortality
Other outcome parameters were unsuitable for meta- analysis , but seemed to favour ERAS .
Analysis shows a reduction in overall complications , but major complications were not reduced .
Length of stay was reduced significantly .
We state that ERAS seems safe , but the quality of trials and lack of sufficient other outcome parameters do not justify implementation of ERAS as the st and ard of care .
Within ERAS protocol s included , no answer regarding the role for minimally invasive surgery ( i.e. laparoscopy ) was found .
BACKGROUND In recent years the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery ( ERAS ) postoperative pathway in (ileo-)colorectal surgery , aim ing at improving perioperative care and decreasing postoperative complications , has become more common .
OBJECTIVES We investigated the effectiveness and safety of the ERAS multimodal strategy , compared to conventional care after (ileo-)colorectal surgery .
The primary research question was whether ERAS protocol s lead to less morbidity and secondary whether length of stay was reduced .