Enhanced recovery after surgery in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery surgical patients: one size fits all?

Purpose of review Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs aim to expedite functional recovery and improve surgical outcomes without increasing complications or cost. First championed by colorectal surgeons, ERAS protocols are now widely utilized among surgical subspecialties. The present review focuses on use of ERAS pathways in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) and risk factors for suboptimal outcomes in this population. Recent findings Studies across multiple fields has shown benefit to adoption of ERAS protocols. However, lack of protocol standardization among institutions, implementation of interventions as a bundle, varied compliance, and lack of study randomization collectively obscure generalizability of findings from such studies. Emerging data in fact suggest benefits may not translate equally across all populations, cautioning against indiscriminate application of protocols to all surgeries or patients. Thus applicability of ERAS protocols to the MIGS population merits close examination. ERAS protocols improve postoperative outcomes, satisfaction, and cost of care for most patients undergoing gynecologic surgery. However, modifications to typical ERAS protocols may be beneficial to certain subsets of patients including patients with chronic pelvic pain, opiate dependence, or psychiatric disorders. Identification of risk factors for admission or increased hospital stay may help guide protocol modifications for at-risk groups within the MIGS population.