Introduction Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is associated with reduced length of stay and improved outcomes in colorectal surgery.^1,2It is unclear if ERAS can be safely implemented in elderly patients undergoing complex colorectal resections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and compliance of ERAS in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Method A prospective database of consecutive series of patients undergoing colorectal resections with ERAS between August 2012 to December 2014 was evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: ≤ 70 years and ≥ 70 years. Endpoints studied were length of stay (LOS), readmissions, morbidity, mortality, and compliance with ERAS.

Results Of a total of 455 patients , 295 were ≤ 70 years (median age 60) and 160 patients were ≥ 70 years (median age 77). There was no significant difference in compliance with ERAS in two groups, 78.6% V 80%. There were no significant differences in LOS (median 7 days versus 6 days (p 0.53), re-admission rates 8.75% vs. 5.93% (p = 0.36), re-operation rate 6.88% vs. 4.44% (p = 0.37) and mortality rates 0% vs. 1.48% (p = 0.73) between two groups.

Conclusion This data suggests that ERAS can be successfully implemented in older patients. There is no statistically significant difference in outcomes i.e mortality, length of stay (LOS), re-admission and re-operation rates between two groups.

Disclosure of interest None Declared.

References

1. Eskicioglu C1, Forbes SS, Aarts MA, Okrainec A, McLeod RS. ERAS programs for patients having colorectal surgery: a metanalysis of randomised trials. J Gastrointest Surg. 200;13(12):231–2329

2. ERAS Compliance Group. The Impact of Enhanced Recovery Protocol Compliance on Elective Colorectal Cancer Resection: Results From an International Registry. Ann Surg. 2015 Jan 23