Influence of enhanced recovery after surgery pathways and laparoscopic surgery on health-related quality of life

Aim This study set out to compare the postoperative health related quality of life (HQoL) of patients undergoing elective open colorectal surgery using a well-established enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway with those undergoing laparoscopic surgery without an established an ERAS pathway. Method Using a power calculation, it was estimated that 40 patients would be required in each group. HQoL of the two groups was prospectively assessed using SF-12 (Short Form 12) and EORTC QLQ 30 (European Organisation of Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire) preoperatively, and at 2 and 6 weeks after discharge. Results Data were collected from 83 patients, 41 in the laparoscopic group and 42 in the open-ERAS group. There was a significant difference between the median length of stay of the open-ERAS (5 days) and laparoscopic (7 days, P = 0.028) groups. There were no significant differences between the HQoL score of the two groups at any stage. In both groups, the majority of HQoL scores had improved considerably by 6 weeks. Conclusion Laparoscopic and open-ERAS surgery have a similar impact on postoperative HQoL. HQoL tends to improve by the 6-week stage.