Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are evidence-based perioperative care pathways designed to reduce surgical stress, accelerate recovery, improve patient outcomes, and minimize healthcare costs. ERAS integrates multidisciplinary interventions throughout the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. Despite increasing adoption, the effectiveness of ERAS across different surgical specialties continues to be evaluated.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols on postoperative recovery, complications, hospital length of stay, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction.

Methods

A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted across 20 tertiary hospitals between January 2022 and December 2024. A total of 4,800 patients undergoing elective surgical procedures were enrolled. Patients managed under ERAS protocols were compared with those receiving conventional perioperative care. Clinical outcomes, complications, hospital stay duration, pain scores, and patient satisfaction were analyzed.

Results

ERAS implementation reduced postoperative complications by 28.6%, shortened hospital stay by 32.4%, decreased opioid consumption by 35.1%, and improved patient satisfaction by 26.8%. Readmission rates were significantly lower among ERAS patients (5.2%) compared to conventional care (8.9%). Early mobilization and multimodal analgesia were strongly associated with improved recovery outcomes.

Conclusion

ERAS protocols significantly improve postoperative outcomes, reduce healthcare utilization, and enhance patient recovery. Wider implementation of ERAS programs may improve surgical quality and healthcare efficiency across multiple surgical disciplines.