Effect of the implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol (ERAS) in patients undergoing an elective cesarean section.

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate that the application of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in elective cesarean sections is associated with reduced hospital stay without increasing maternal complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective, comparative study included patients who underwent an elective cesarean section. The patients were divided into groups: group 1, women who received elements of standardized care according to ERAS guidelines, and group 2, women who did not receive this care.

RESULTS

The study included 295 patients, 139 in group 1 (ERAS) and 156 in group 2. The demographic characteristics were similar. Hospital stay and postoperative pain at 24 and 48 hours were lower in patients in group 1; these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The overall complication rate, head pain, surgical wound infection, urinary retention, and readmission were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of an ERAS protocol can reduce hospital stay and postoperative pain without increasing the postoperative complication rate in patients who undergo an elective cesarean section. In developing countries, the application of this protocol could help in optimizing available health system resources.