Recommendations for enhanced post-surgical recovery in the spine (REPOC)

Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol. 2023 Mar-Apr;67(2):83-93. doi: 10.1016/j.recot.2022.10.002. Epub 2022 Oct 12.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Introduction/objectives: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) constitutes a multimodal approach, based on available scientific evidence, that achieves better patient's functionality, reduces pain, and even lowers financial costs. The present consensus statement proposes the standards for the implementation of ERAS programs to lumbar fusion surgery, a meant benchmark we call REPOC.

Methodology: A multidisciplinary group of experts was set up ad hoc to review consensus recommendations for lumbar arthrodesis, using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Results: As a result, 23 recommendations were selected throughout the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of the surgical procedure. A 29-item checklist was also drawn up to implement REPOC protocols in spinal surgeries.

Conclusions: This list of recommendations will facilitate the implementation of this multimodal approach as a safe and effective tool for reducing adverse events in our environment.

Keywords: Artrodesis lumbar; Cirugía de columna; Consenso de expertos; Enfoque multimodal; Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS); Expert consensus; Fusión lumbar; Lumbar arthrodesis; Lumbar fusion; Multimodal approach; Recuperación quirúrgica optimizada en columna (REPOC); Spinal surgery.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lumbosacral Region
  • Pain
  • Spinal Fusion* / methods
  • Spine*