PROTOCOLS FOR IMPROVING OUTCOMES IN EMERGENCY ABDOMINAL SURGERY: A COHORT ANALYSIS

Abstract

Initially designed to improve the recovery outcome of elective colorectal surgeries in comparison to standard methods, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have demonstrated potential to positively affect the recovery outcome of surgery. Nevertheless, there is a gap in the use of these in emergency gastrointestinal operations. This research paper presents an assessment of the viability and effectiveness of the ERAS protocols in a sample of patients who have undergone emergency cases of abdominal surgeries at the IQ City Medical College. The most important aspects, such as minimally invasive surgery, optimal intraoperative fluid management, and preoperative hyperglycemia control were evaluated. Findings showed that those patients that followed the ERAS protocols had a major complication reduction and quicker healing. Nevertheless, high morbidity, preoperative hyperglycemia, and the necessity of urgent surgical intervention were found to be the obstacles in the complete adherence to the protocols. This research emphasizes the possible advantages of ERAS implementation in the emergency surgical environment with an emphasis on early mobilization, early nutrition, and meticulous fluid administration to improve the outcome of the recovery process.