IMPACT OF ENHANCED RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY (ERAS) PROTOCOLS ON PATIENT MORBIDITY AND LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY

Abstract

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols represent a multimodal, evidence-based approach designed to optimize perioperative care and improve surgical outcomes. Despite growing adoption, comprehensive experimental evaluations integrating physiological, functional, and healthcare efficiency outcomes remain limited. This study employed a mixed-methods experimental design comparing ERAS-managed patients with those receiving conventional perioperative care following elective colorectal surgery. Quantitative outcomes included physiological recovery indices, inflammatory and metabolic markers, analgesic requirements, complication rates, and hospital length of stay, while qualitative data explored patient and provider experiences. Advanced composite indices and multidimensional modeling were used to evaluate recovery trajectories. ERAS implementation resulted in significantly faster physiological stabilization, reduced surgical stress and inflammatory responses, enhanced functional recovery, and earlier gastrointestinal restoration. Patients managed under ERAS demonstrated lower opioid consumption, fewer postoperative complications, and a markedly shorter hospital stay without an associated increase in readmission rates. Integrated performance scores and three-dimensional recovery modeling confirmed superior overall recovery efficiency and consistency in the ERAS cohort. Qualitative findings further supported improved patient satisfaction, reduced anxiety, and enhanced multidisciplinary coordination. ERAS protocols substantially improve postoperative recovery and healthcare efficiency through coordinated, evidence-based perioperative interventions. These findings support ERAS as a superior, patient-centered model for optimizing surgical outcomes and resource utilization in colorectal surgery.