Prospective study of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in children undergoing reconstructive operations

ERAS decreased length of stay and 90-day complications after pediatric reconstructive surgery without increased re-admissions, re-operations or ED visits. A multicenter study will be required to confirm the potential benefits of adopting ERAS.Summary Table. Pertinent findings regarding matched historical controls and patients who received care under an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol. Significant differences between groups with P < 0.05 are shown in bold.MatchedP-valueHistoricalERASTotal patients26 patients13 patients-Median age, years (IQR)10.4 (8.0-12.4)9.9 (9.1-11.0)0.940Patients with spina bifida16 (62%)8 (62%)1.000Median protocol items per patient (IQR)8 (4-9)12 (11-12)<0.001Median length of stay,# midnights (IQR)6 (5-7)5 (3-6)0.520Total complications within 90 days56 (2.1/patient)17 (1.3/patient)0.035Re-admissions within 30 days7 (0.27/patient)1 (0.08/patient)0.265Re-operations within 90 days8 (0.31/patient)1 (0.08/patient)0.235ED visits within 90 days17 (0.65/patient)7 (0.54/patient)0.570ERAS, Enhanced recovery after surgery; ED, emergency department.