Evaluating Enhanced Recovery Protocols on Postoperative Outcomes in Spinal Surgeries

Abstract

Background: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to optimize postoperative recovery through multimodal interventions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of ERAS in spinal surgeries. Objective: To assess the impact of ERAS protocols on postoperative outcomes, including recovery time, complications, and opioid use in spinal surgery patients. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Evercare Hospital Chattogram, from January 2023 to June 2024. A total of 138 spinal surgery patients were included. The ERAS protocol included multimodal pain management, early mobilization, and nutritional support. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed, including hospital stay, opioid consumption, complications, and functional recovery, using statistical analysis (paired t-tests, standard deviation, and p-values). Results: Among the 138 patients, the average hospital stay was significantly reduced by 28.3%, from 9.4 days to 6.7 days (p-value < 0.05). Opioid consumption decreased by 35%, with a mean reduction from 45.2 mg to 29.3 mg (p-value < 0.01). The complication rate was reduced by 21%, from 23% to 18% (p-value = 0.04). Functional recovery, measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), showed a significant improvement, with the average score decreasing by 18% (from 48.2% to 39.6%, p-value = 0.03). The standard deviation for recovery time was 1.6 days, indicating a consistent reduction in recovery duration. Conclusion: ERAS protocols significantly enhance postoperative recovery in spinal surgeries, reducing hospital stay, opioid use, complications, and improving functional recovery.