Progressive perioperative benefits of laparoscopy in combination with an ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol in radical cystectomy with ileal conduit.

INTRODUCTION

Although in the recent years, laparoscopy and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have improved postoperative recovery in radical cystectomy (RC), the clinical efficacy of their association remains unclear. Our objective is to analyze the possible benefits obtained from laparoscopic RC (LRC) and its subsequent combination with an ERAS (ERAS-LRC) protocol compared to open RC (ORC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We analyzed 187 consecutive RCs with ileal conduit performed in our center, of which 139 met the inclusion criteria: 47 ORC, 39 LRC (both with conventional protocol) and 52 ERAS-LRCs.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found regarding age, sex, BMI and ASA score between groups. ERAS-LRC obtained a shorter length of stay than LRC and ORC (median 8 [7-10]) vs. 13 [10-17] vs. 15 [13-19.5] days, respectively; P<.001). ERAS-LRC had a shorter stay in the ICU and less days of nasogastric tube (P<.001). Postoperative complications and readmission rates were similar among groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that absence of complications, younger age and ERAS behaved as independent factors for shorter hospital stay, while ERAS was the only independent factor of lower readmission rate at 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Although LRC presented perioperative benefits compared to ORC, the results were better after the implementation of an ERAS protocol. ERAS protocol had stronger impact on recovery than the surgical approach of the procedure.