Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in gynecologic oncology: System-wide implementation and audit leads to improved value and patient outcomes

The Institute of Health Economics has contributed to a study published in the Journal Gynecologic Oncology. The study described the effects of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guideline implementation in gynecologic oncology on length of stay, patient outcomes, and economic impact in Alberta.

The study compared pre-and post-guideline implementation outcomes at two centers that provide the majority of surgical gynecologic oncology care in Alberta, Canada between March 2016 and April 2017. Results showed median length of stay for all surgeries decreased from 4.0 days to 3.0 days for medium/high complexity surgery the median LOS was reduced by 2.0 days. Complications prior to discharge decreased from 53.3% to 36.2% and there was no significant difference in readmission, complications up to 30 days or mortality. The net cost savings per patient was $956.

Conclusions: Systematic implementation of ERAS gynecologic oncology guidelines across a healthcare system improves patient outcomes and saves resources.

Related Publications:

• An economic evaluation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) multisite implementation program for colorectal surgery in Alberta (2016)
• ERAS - Value based surgery (2017)