Impact of Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) on Clinical Outcomes After Elective Colorectal Surgery in a Rural Hospital: A Prospective Cohort Study with Retrospective Control.

Introduction: The main purpose was to determine the impact on postoperative outcome of a standardized enhanced recovery program (ERP) for elective colorectal surgery in a rural hospital. Methods A prospective series of patients (N = 80) undergoing elective colorectal resection completing a standardized ERP protocol in 2018–2020 (ERP group) was compared to patients (N = 80) operated at the same rural hospital in 2013–2015 (pre-ERP group), before the implementation of the program. The exclusion criteria for both groups were: ASA score IV, TNM stage IV, inflammatory bowel disease, emergency surgery, and rectal cancer. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LoS) which was used as an estimate of functional recovery. Secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission and mortality rates as well as factors predicting both postoperative complications and prolonged hospital LoS. Results Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Laparoscopic approach was performed in 95% of patients in the ERP group versus 0% in pre-ERP group. The median adherence to ERP protocol elements was 68% as opposed to 12% in the retrospective control group. The median hospital LoS in the ERP-group was significantly lower than in the pre-ERP group (5 vs. 10 days) with no increase in 30-day readmission and mortality rates. The Body Mass Index ≥ 30 and the traditional perioperative protocol were the independent predictive factors of postoperative complications, while following a traditional peri-operative protocol was the only factor predicting a prolonged hospital LoS. Conclusions Although limited hospital resources are perceived as a barrier to ERP implementation, the current experience demonstrates how adopting an ERP program in a rural area is feasible and effective, despite it requires greater effort. For patients in such areas, colorectal ERP in elective surgery may also reduce time to functional recovery, postoperative hospital LoS and complications, with no increase in mortality and 30-day re-admissions.

Assessment of Body Composition as an Indicator of Early Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition Therapy in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery in an Enhanced Recovery Program

Background: A poor body composition (BC) has been identified as a risk factor for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). This study was performed to assess the effect of early peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) on BC in patients undergoing CCR surgery within an enhanced recovery program. Methods: Patients with normal nutritional status were prospectively included between October 2016 and September 2019, randomized into two groups (PPN with periOlimel N4-E versus conventional fluid therapy) and subsequently classified according to their preoperative CT scan into high- or low-risk BC groups. Postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (LOS) were assessed. Results: Of the 156 patients analyzed, 88 patients (56.4%) were classified as having high-risk BC according to CT measurements. PPN led to a 15.4% reduction in postoperative complications in high-risk vs. 1.7% in low-risk BC patients. In the multivariate analysis, high-risk BC was related to an OR (95% CI) of 2 (p = 0.044) of presenting complications and of 1.9 (p = 0.066) for major complications, and was associated with an increase in LOS of 3.6 days (p = 0.039). Conclusions: The measurement of patients’ BC can allow for the identification of target patients where PPN has been proven to be an effective tool to improve postoperative outcomes.

1245 Enhanced Recovery Program in Colorectal Surgery at Basildon And Thurrock University Hospital

Introduction Enhanced recovery program (ERP) is an integrated multidisciplinary approach that requires participation and commitment from different member of staff, and the patient. This is an evidence-based protocol designed to standardize medical care, improve outcomes, and lower care costs. The aim of this study is to observe how ERP protocol is followed in our institution, and to monitor different outcomes. Data was compared to NICE guideline. Method We reviewed all patients who underwent elective colorectal resection for cancer between June 2018 and May 2019. data was collected retrospectively from patient electronic case notes. We monitored compliance with ERP protocol (NICE), as well as outcomes Results 114 patients were included in our study. We noted that just 35% of patients had intraoperative nasogastric tube. Antibiotics: 74.56%, Catheter 98.24%, PCA 79.82%, Spinal anaesthesia 52.63%, Drain 38.59%. In the post op period, patients were mobilized at 1.89 day (1.27) [mean (SD)], NGT removal: 1.81 day (2.31) Refeeding: 1.36 day (1.01). It has been proven that patients with inadequate perioperative analgesia are more prone to develop ileus, to have a prolonged hospital stay, and have an overall higher mortality (p0.001) Conclusions It seems that there is a room for improvement especially in analgesia and prophylactic antibiotics. Following ERP protocols improves overall outcomes.

1144 How Much Does Colorectal Enhanced Recovery Program Education Affect Knowledge of Newly Joined Junior Doctors? A General District Hospital Re-Audit

Aim Aim of the study is closing the audit loop on knowledge of colorectal Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) among newly joined junior doctors in a general district hospital. Original audit showed shortage of awareness and knowledge among newly joined junior doctors. The recommendation was educating them regarding ERP and re-auditing. Method Education through a 30-minute power point presentation, on colorectal ERP, was done among newly joined junior doctors. This was followed by a 12-point questionnaire for testing the knowledge of colorectal ERP protocol among 5 newly joined junior doctors (Senior House Officers, Foundation year 2 and Foundation year 1) in our surgical department in August 2020. Results The responses showed an increase in doctors’ knowledge to 90 % (re-audit) from 52.9% (original audit). An increase of about 40% in their knowledge. The average score of their knowledge was 10.8/12 (90 %). One doctor (20 %) scored 12 out of 12 (12/12), two (40 %) scored 11/12 and two (40 %) scored 10/12. Conclusions The study showed that education of newly joined junior doctors resulted in a substantial improvement in their level of knowledge of colorectal ERP, almost up to the local hospital guidelines target (100 %). The study recommends this education to be an integral part of their induction program not only locally but also nationwide. It highlights the impact of education on colorectal ERP implementation.

1132 How Much Are Junior Doctors Aware and Knowledgeable of Colorectal Enhanced Recovery Program? A General District Hospital Audit

Aim Aim of the study is assessment of awareness and knowledge of colorectal Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) of newly joined junior doctors at a general district hospital. ERP is an essential evidence-based element of surgical colorectal patients’ management during preoperative, operative, and postoperative periods. Junior doctors play an integral part in patients’ management. Local hospital guidelines require 100 % awareness and knowledge of ERP among surgical team members. Method A questionnaire of 15 points for assessment of awareness (1 point) and knowledge of Colorectal ERP (14 points) among 8 newly joined junior doctors (Senior House Officers, Foundation year 2 and Foundation year 1) was developed in our surgical department in August 2020. Results The responses showed that average score of doctors’ knowledge of ERP was (52.9 %). Two doctors (25%) scored 9 out of 14 (9 /14), two (25 %) scored 8/14, one (12.5 %) scored 7.25 /14, one (12.5 %) scored 7/14, one (12.5%) scored 6/14, one (12.5%) scored 5 /14. Regarding awareness of ERP, 5/8 doctors were aware of ERP (62.5 %). Conclusions The study showed presence of a variable average level of awareness and knowledge of ERP among newly joined junior doctors. This was less than local guidelines target (100%). The study recommends education (power point presentation) for improving awareness and knowledge of ERP among newly joined junior doctors. This is to be followed by re-auditing and closing the audit loop.

Effect of Early Peripheral Parenteral Nutrition Support in an Enhanced Recovery Program for Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Open Trial

Background: Peripheral parenteral nutrition allows repletion of acute nutrient deficiencies and could prevent further nutrition deficits before and after colorectal surgery. A randomized open study was performed to evaluate the effect of perioperative peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) support on postoperative morbidity after colorectal cancer surgery within an enhanced recovery program. Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups: peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) (with Peri-Olimel N4-E) versus conventional fluid therapy (FT). Ninety-day postoperative complications, laboratory parameters, length of hospital stay, and compliance with the ERAS protocol were assessed. Results: A total of 158 patients were analysed. The overall 90-day complication rate was 38.6% (61 patients), and 24 patients had major complications (Clavien–Dindo III–V) (15.2%). In the multivariate analysis, the intervention (PPN vs. FC) showed a protective effect against postoperative complications (p = 0.0031, OR = 0.2 (CI: 0.08–0.87)). Following ordinal regression, PPN and early oral tolerance showed a protective effect, being less likely to develop complications or to move from minor to major complications. In patients with low compliance to ERAS during the first postoperative day, PPN showed a protective effect, preventing 28% of morbidity. Conclusions: Perioperative peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) support with Peri-Olimel N4-E in colorectal cancer surgery associated with early oral intake could reduce postoperative complications.