These studies showed reductions in duration of inpatient stays in the ERAS groups compared with more traditional care as well as reductions in morbidity and mortality rates .
Review ing the data reveals that ERAS protocol s have a role in reducing post-operative morbidity and result in an accelerated recovery following colorectal surgery .
Similarly , both primary and overall hospital stays are reduced significantly .
However , the available evidence suggests that ERAS protocol s do not reduce hospital readmissions or mortality .
INTRODUCTION Colorectal surgery has been associated with a complication rate of 15 - 20 % and mean post-operative inpatient stays of 6 - 11 days .
The principles of enhanced recovery after surgery ( ERAS ) are well established and have been developed to optimise peri-operative care and facilitate discharge .
The purpose of this systematic review is to present an up date d review of peri-operative care in colorectal surgery from the available evidence and ERAS group recommendations .
Physiologic Effects of Bowel Preparation
PURPOSE : Despite the universal use of bowel preparation before colonoscopy and colorectal surgery , the physiologic effects have not been described in a st and ardized setting . This study was design ed to investigate the physiologic effects of bowel preparation . METHODS : In a prospect i ve study , 12 healthy volunteers ( median age , 63 years ) underwent bowel preparation with bisacodyl and sodium phosphate . Fluid and food intake were st and ardized according to weight , providing adequate calorie and oral fluid intake . Before and after bowel preparation , weight , exercise capacity , orthostatic tolerance , plasma and extracellular volume , balance function , and biochemical parameters were measured . RESULTS : Bowel preparation led to a significant decrease in exercise capacity ( median , 9 percent ) and weight ( median , 1.2 kg ) . Plasma osmolality was significantly increased from 287 to 290 mmol kg−1 , as well as increased phosphate and urea concentrations , whereas calcium and potassium concentrations decreased significantly after bowel preparation . No differences in plasma or extracellular volumes were seen . Orthostatic tolerance and balance function did not change after bowel preparation . CONCLUSIONS : Bowel preparation has significant adverse physiologic effects , which may be attributed to dehydration . The majority of these findings is small and may not be of clinical relevance in otherwise healthy patients undergoing bowel preparation  and following recommendations for oral fluid intake
These studies showed reductions in duration of inpatient stays in the ERAS groups compared with more traditional care as well as reductions in morbidity and mortality rates .
Review ing the data reveals that ERAS protocol s have a role in reducing post-operative morbidity and result in an accelerated recovery following colorectal surgery .
Similarly , both primary and overall hospital stays are reduced significantly .
However , the available evidence suggests that ERAS protocol s do not reduce hospital readmissions or mortality .
INTRODUCTION Colorectal surgery has been associated with a complication rate of 15 - 20 % and mean post-operative inpatient stays of 6 - 11 days .
The principles of enhanced recovery after surgery ( ERAS ) are well established and have been developed to optimise peri-operative care and facilitate discharge .
The purpose of this systematic review is to present an up date d review of peri-operative care in colorectal surgery from the available evidence and ERAS group recommendations .