Impact of an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol on Postoperative Outcomes in Cardiac Surgery

Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are perioperative care pathways designed to achieve early recovery after procedures. ERAS protocols have shown shortened recovery time, and lower opioid utilization and postoperative complication rates. Evidence to support the use of ERAS protocols is robust, however, minimal data exists in cardiac surgery patients. Methods This observational cohort compared adults receiving post-operative care after coronary artery bypass or valve procedures who received an ERAS protocol containing acetaminophen, gabapentin, and methocarbamol to historical controls. The primary outcome of this study was postoperative opioid use during the first 72-hours following cardiac surgery. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, average pain scores 72-hours postoperatively, and incidence of opioid-related complications. Results Total cumulative 72-hour post-operative opioid consumption showed a trend toward reduction in opioid use in patients who received the ERAS protocol vs the historic control group [75.8 mg vs 105.4 mg oral morphine equivalents (P = .09)]. Median postoperative lengths of stay and pain scores were similar between groups. Opioid related complications including constipation and respiratory depression occurred more frequently in the control group compared to the ERAS group [47.7% vs 60.5% (P < .05) and 57.1% vs 62.7% (P < .05) respectively]. Conclusions Use of an ERAS protocol shows a promising trend toward less postoperative opioid use in cardiac surgery patients. Lower rates of opioid-related adverse events, including constipation and respiratory depression, were observed in the ERAS protocol group. This study indicates that ERAS protocols have a potential role for cardiac surgery patients postoperatively.