Effect of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols on Surgical Outcomes in Abdominal Surgeries

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are evidence-based perioperative care pathways designed to reduce surgical stress, preserve physiological function, and accelerate postoperative recovery. This prospective observational study evaluated the impact of ERAS protocols on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgeries. Eighty patients were divided into ERAS (n=40) and conventional care (n=40) groups. The ERAS group demonstrated significantly reduced length of hospital stay, earlier ambulation, faster return to oral intake, and lower postoperative complication rates. ERAS protocols are effective, safe, and feasible in tertiary care teaching hospitals.