Purpose: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols not only positively affect gastrointestinal surgery outcomes but may also increase the risk of some complications. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the impact of ERAS on the recovery and complications following gastrointestinal surgery. Materials and Methods: Studies published before December 2022 were retrieved from the following databases, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, without limitations of language or race. The endpoints included lung infection, surgical site infection, postoperative ileus, length of hospitalization, urinary tract infection, readmission, anastomotic leakage, and C-reactive protein serum levels. Results: A total of 23 studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that there was a decrease in incidence of the lung infection (risk ratio = 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.74, P = .002) and postoperative length of hospitalization (P < .00001). However, ERAS protocol groups had higher readmission rates, nausea, and vomiting. There was no significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic leakage, ileus, surgical site infection, and urinary tract infection between the experimental and control groups. Conclusions: ERAS protocols can reduce the risk of postoperative lung infections, shorten hospital stays, and expedite patient recovery. Furthermore, ERAS protocols are not associated with serious complications following gastrointestinal surgeries.
Keywords: ERAS; fast-tract; gastrointestinal cancer; perioperative care.