Perioperative fluid management influences complication rates and length of hospital stay in the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for patients with colorectal cancer

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol and quantify the impact of each ERAS item on postoperative outcomes. Methods We used a generalized linear model to compare 289 colorectal cancer patients treated with the ERAS protocol between June, 2015 and April, 2021, with 99 colorectal cancer patients treated with the conventional colorectal surgery pathway between April, 2014 and June, 2015. Results The median length of hospital stay (LOHS) was significantly shorter in the ERAS group, at 9 days (range 3–104 days) vs. 14 days (range 4–44 days) ( p < 0.001), but the complication rates (Clavien–Dindo grade 2 or more) were similar (16.6% vs. 22.2%; p = 0.227). However, in the ERAS group, the higher the compliance with ERAS items, the lower the complication rate and LOHS (both p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that "Discontinuation of continuous intravenous infusion on POD1" and "Avoidance of fluid overload" were significantly associated with the LOHS ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.008). Conclusion The ERAS protocol is safe and effective for elective colorectal cancer surgery, and compliance with the ERAS protocol contributes to shorter LOHS and fewer complications. Items related to perioperative fluid management had a crucial impact on these outcomes.