Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes with and Without Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Protocols in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

ERAS Protocols in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract

The application of ERAS protocols has revolutionized perioperative care by improving patient outcomes. However, their role in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) remains underexplored in many settings. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Study Duration:  01-12-2024 to 31-07-2025 (eight months).Sample Size:160 patients (80 in each group). Sampling Technique: Non-probability consecutive sampling. Results: In our study, male patients were 51 and female patients were 109. 10 patients were of 15-25 years of age,126 were between 26-40 years of age, and 24 were 41-50 years of age. In Group A, only one patient was placed drain, while in Group B, 49 patients had a drain. Pain score mean in Group A was 2.4  after 4 hrs.,2.3 after 08 hrs,1.6 after 12 hrs,1.1 after 24 hrs. Pain score mean in Group B was 3.7 after 4 hrs., 3.1 after 08 hrs., 2.8 after 12 hrs., 2.2 after 24 hrs. Activity score mean in Group A was 1.6 after 4 hrs.,2.3 after 08 hrs,2.8 after 12 hrs,3.8  after 24 hrs. Activity score mean in Group B was 0.86  after 4 hrs., 0.86 after 08 hrs., 1.6  after 12 hrs., 2.3  after 24 hrs. In group A Rescue analgesia mean is 0.17 (0.44) while in Group B mean is 2.3(SD -0.62).In group A Postoperative hospital stay mean was 1.1(SD-0.15), while in group B, it was 1.7(SD-.46). The postoperative ileus mean was 2 in group A, while it was 1.9 in group B. Conclusion: The application of ERAS protocols resulted in less postoperative pain, earlier mobility and the ability to perform routine activities, a reduced need for rescue analgesia, and an earlier oral-free status, as well as earlier discharge from the hospital, compared to those without ERAS protocols.