Success and Failure of ERAS: Prediction Models of Outcomes

An overarching theme throughout enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is that the creation of standardized, evidence-based perioperative pathways leads to improved patient outcomes. While this may be true for many (and even the majority) of patients, some patients continue to “fail” ERAS pathways. Using commonly chosen metrics to define “failure” during ERAS (increased length of hospital stay, readmission rate, morbidity), studies continue to identify many independent factors associated with “failure.” Frequently, these failures of ERAS protocols are correlated with intraoperative or postoperative complications.