The implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in ovarian malignancy surgery

Gland Surg. 2021 Mar;10(3):1182-1194. doi: 10.21037/gs.2020.04.07.

Abstract

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) refers to multimodal interventions to reduce the length of hospital stay and complications at various steps of perioperative care. It was first developed in colorectal surgery and later embraced by other surgical disciplines including gynecologic oncology. The ERAS Society recently published guidelines for gynecologic cancer surgeries to enhance patient recovery. However, limitations exist in the implementation of the guidelines in ovarian cancer patients due to the distinct characteristics of the disease. In the present review, we discuss the results that have been published in the literature to date regarding the ERAS protocols in ovarian cancer patients, and explain why more evidence needs to be specifically assessed in this type of malignancy among other gynecologic cancers.

Keywords: Enhanced recovery; continuity of patient care; cytoreductive surgery; gynecologic surgery; ovarian cancer.

Publication types

  • Review