Introduction: Enhanced recovery after surgery had been introduced with success in many surgical fields, including bariatrics. There are numerous studies presenting how ERAS® has positively affected the outcomes following weight loss surgery. The effect of compliance with the protocol on postoperative results has not been extensively researched in the literature.
Methodology: The 15-element protocol used in our department was analyzed, and compliance was calculated based on pre- and peri-operative elements. We gathered data on recovery parameters, complications, and length of hospital stay. Patients were divided into two groups according to their compliance: group 1 < 80%, group 2 > 80%. Multivariate analysis was used to determine which element had the greatest effect.
Results: Our study group consisted of 764 patients operated in between 2009 and 2017. The median compliance was 87.94%; group 1 had 68.1% compliance and group 2 reached 92.7%. There were significant differences in morbidity (group 1 13.6% vs. group 2 2.8%, p < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (4 vs. 3 days, p < 0.001). Compliance, early mobilization, and day of food tolerance have been identified as affecting morbidity, whereas for prolonged hospital stays, it was multimodal analgesia, food tolerance, the volume of oral fluids, and intravenous fluids.
Conclusions: Compliance with the ERAS® protocol affects morbidity and length of hospital stay. More studies are required to establish which elements have the greatest impact and which are essential.
Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Compliance; Enhances recovery after surgery.