Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Protocol in Case of Open Cholecystectomy: A Case Series

Aim: Comparison of patients undergoing open cholecystectomy following ERAS protocols and conventional protocols. Introduction: ERAS is a systematic approach to facilitate better state of patient for surgery and early recovery post surgery. ERAS mainly focuses on modification of conventional perioperative modalities followed worldwide to reduce perioperative psychological and physical stress. Materials and methods: 50 cases of open cholecystectomy were considered for study.25 cases followed ERAS and 25 cases followed conventional protocol. Results: Pre operative fasting for patients following conventional protocols were more. Patients following ERAS have significantly less time required for bowel movements and initiating soft diet. Patients following ERAS have significantly less time required for mobilization and also significantly less length of stay. Rate of complications were not significantly different in both the groups. Conclusion: ERAS is an idea that promotes early recovery after surgery by integrating modalities of therapy in all perioperative phases. Early feeding is possible without any significant nausea and vomiting. Early mobilization helps in faster recovery of patients. Patients following ERAS protocols have less hospitalization with no significant difference in morbidity. ERAS protocol is efficient and safe in emergency situations too.