Impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme in radical cystectomy. A cohort-comparative study

Abstract Objective To evaluate the results of the implementation of an enhanced recovery programme (ERAS) for open approach radical cystectomy compared to the historical cohort of the same hospital. Material and methods A retrospective analysis of 138 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy with Bricker or Studer ileal derivation (97 historical vs. 41 ERAS). Overall complication rate, Clavien–Dindo stage >2 complications, mortality, hospital and critical care length of stay and readmission rates, as well as need for reoperation, nasogastric intubation, transfusion or parenteral nutrition were compared. Results No statistically significant differences in overall complication rate were found (73.171 vs. 77.32%; OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.54–2.981; p  = 0.601) nor in Clavien–Dindo > 2 complications (41.463 vs. 42.268%; OR 1.033, 95% CI 0.492–2.167; p  = 0.93), mortality, lengths of stays readmission and reoperation rates. The need for nasogastric tube insertion was lower in the ERAS group (43.902 vs. 78.351%; OR 4.624, 95% CI 2.112–10.123; p p p Conclusion Enhanced recovery programmes in radical cystectomy decrease interventionism on the patient without increasing morbidity and mortality.