Reduction in Opiate Use, Pain, Nausea, and Length of Stay After Implementation of a Bariatric Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate adherence to bariatric surgery enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative phases, and to compare opiate use, nausea control, and length of stay (LOS) versus historical controls.

Materials and methods: A retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate adherence to ERAS protocols and compare opiate and antiemetic use, pain intensity, and LOS versus those of traditional care (TC) patients preceding protocol implementation at Erie County Medical Center, a community-based hospital in Buffalo, NY, USA.

Results: One hundred ERAS and TC patients were compared. Patients were similar in age (42.5 years), gender (female, ~ 80%), race (~ 80 white), and BMI (47 kg/m²). The primary procedure performed was sleeve gastrectomy (89% ERAS, 86% TC). Protocol adherence was high for ERAS phases: prior to admission (85-98%), pre-operative (96-100%), operative (93-99%), post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (55-61%), and floor (86-98%). Opiate morphine milligram equivalent (MME) was reduced in ERAS vs. TC in hospital by 73% (43.5 ± 42.4 vs. 160 ± 116; p < 0.001), discharge prescribing by 53% (34.8 ± 38.2 vs. 74 ± 125 MME; p = 0.003), and in total by 69% (78.3 ± 67.5 vs. 252 ± 160; p < 0.001). Despite lower opiate use, ERAS had lower pain intensity entering PACU (1.1 ± 1.8 vs. 1.9 ± 2.6; p < 0.011), leaving PACU (1.7 ± 1.5 vs. 2.9 ± 1.5; p < 0.001), and floor day 0 (5.0 ± 2.1 vs. 5.9 ± 1.8; p < 0.001). Fewer ERAS required antiemetic day 0 (63% vs. 94%; p < 0.001). ERAS were discharged in fewer hours than TC (41.1 ± 15.5 vs. 52.1 ± 18.9 h; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Bariatric surgery ERAS protocols were implemented with a high rate of adherence and yielded profound reduction in operative and post-operative opiate use while improving pain control and nausea management in hospital and decreasing LOS.

Keywords: Bariatric; Complications; ERAS; Enhanced recovery after surgery; Fast track; Length of stay; Outcomes; Post-operative nausea; Post-operative pain; Quality; Surgery.