RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The role of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been established in elective operations. However, its role in emergency operations especially in trauma is under-recognized. The aim of this study was to explore the safety and efficacy of ERAS program in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for trauma. METHODS: In this single-center study, patients who underwent emergency laparotomy after trauma were randomized to the ERAS protocol or conventional care. The ERAS protocol included early removal of catheters, early initiation of diet, use of postoperative prophylaxis and optimal usage of analgesia. The primary endpoint was duration of hospital stay. The secondary endpoints were recovery of bowel function, pain scores, complications and readmission rate. RESULTS: Thirty patients were enrolled in each arm. The ERAS group had significant reduction in duration of hospital stay (3.3±1.3 vs. 5.0±1.7; p<0.01). Time to remove nasogastric tube (1.1±0.1 vs. 2.2±0.9; p<0.01), urinary catheter (1.1±0.1 vs. 3.5±1.6; p<0.01), and drain (1.0±0.2 vs. 3.7±1.6; p<0.01) was shorter in the ERAS group. In ERAS group, there was earlier initiation of liquid diet (1.1±0.1 vs. 2.3±1.0; p<0.01) and solid diet (2.1±0.1 vs. 3.6±1.3; p<0.01). The usage of epidural analgesia (63% vs. 30%; p=0.01), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (93% vs. 67%; p-0.02) and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis (100% vs. 70%; p<0.01) was higher in the ERAS group. There was no difference in the recovery of bowel function (2.4±1.0 vs. 2.1±0.9; p=0.15), pain scores (3.2±1.0 vs. 3.1±1.1; p=0.87), complications (27% vs. 23%; p=0.99) and readmission rates (07% vs. 10%; p=0.99) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: ERAS protocol, when implemented in patients undergoing laparotomy for trauma, has decreased duration of hospital stay with no additional complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1, randomized controlled trial, care management. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2019/06/019533).
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Despite the acceptance of non-operative management (NOM), there is no consensus on the optimal length of hospital stay in patients with blunt liver and splenic injury (BLSI). Recent studies on pediatric patients have demonstrated the safety of early discharge following NOM for BLSI. We aimed at evaluating the feasibility and safety of early discharge in adult patients with BLSI following NOM in a randomized controlled trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After initial assessment and management, patients aged 18-60 years with BLSI planned for NOM were randomized into 2 groups: Group A (test group; discharge day 3), and Group B (control group; discharge day 5). Standard NOM protocol was followed. These patients were discharged on the proposed day if they met the pre-defined discharge criteria. All patients were followed at days 7, 15, and 30 of discharge. RESULTS: Sixty patients were recruited, 30 randomized to each arm. Most patients were males and aged less than 30 years. Road traffic injury was the most common mode of injury. Both groups were comparable in demography and injury-related parameters. 27 patients (90%) from group A and 28 patients (93%) from group B were discharged on the proposed day. Three patients had unplanned hospital visits for reasons unrelated to BLSI. All patients were asymptomatic and had a normal examination during their scheduled follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Adult patients undergoing NOM for BLSI can be safely discharged after 48 h of in-hospital observation, provided other injuries precluding discharge do not exist.