Comparative Study between Conventional versus Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in Gastrointestinal Surgical Emergencies

Background: Emergency department is one of the cornerstones in any healthcare providing institution. Patients with acute abdomen or abdominal trauma requiring emergency laparotomy are commonly encountered in surgical emergency practice. The Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach, universally accepted, and aiming at improving surgical results. Its core aims are to lessen surgical stress, attenuate the catabolic response, and preserve functional capacity to accelerate postoperative recovery. While its efficacy is established for elective procedures, the viability and effectiveness of ERAS in abdominal surgical emergencies remain a matter of debate.Methods: This prospective study was carried out between March 2025 and November 2025 on a consecutive sample of 80 patients with gastrointestinal surgical emergency at Department of General Surgery, Damanhour Teaching Hospital. Patients were categorized into two groups; the conventional and ERAS groups. Our main outcome was the duration of hospitalization.Results: Both groups showed well-matched findings regarding the diagnosis and the surgical intervention. Comparison of postoperative recovery milestones showed highly significant differences across all assessed parameters. The ERAS protocol substantially improved the recovery after surgery. Postoperative complications were comparable across the two groups. The duration of hospitalization was significantly reduced for ERAS patients relative to the conventional group.Conclusions: The ERAS protocol is effective and feasible for integration into emergency gastrointestinal surgery.