Adherence to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol in breast reconstruction plastic surgery

Abstract

Introduction: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society (ERAS) protocol has revolutionized perioperative care, improving in-hospital management and outcomes for patients undergoing breast reconstruction plastic surgery. This study evaluated adherence to the ERAS protocol recommendations for plastic surgery in two reference hospitals in the country’s south. Method: Cross-sectional study using a medical record database in two hospitals in southern Brazil from 2018 to 2021. The definition of the variables to be evaluated was based on the most recent ERAS protocol proposed by Temple-Oberle and collaborators. The results were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology. Results: The average rate of compliance with the ERAS protocol per participant was 50.7%. The mean length of stay was 11 hours and 52 minutes. The number of indications with a strong degree of recommendation achieved showed the ability to reduce the length of stay (Spearman ρ = -0.397) (p<0.001). Conclusion: Adherence to perioperative optimization measures in breast reconstruction plastic surgery can reduce patients’ hospital stays. However, the average adherence rate per patient is still low, making it evident the need to optimize the care of patients undergoing this surgery.

Keywords

• reconstructive surgical procedures
• perioperative care
• enhanced recovery after surgery
• mammaplasty
• anesthesiology
• clinical protocols