Positive effects of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in DIEP flap breast reconstruction

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols are successfully implemented in different surgical specialties, but a specific protocol for autologous breast reconstruction is missing. The aim of this study was to determine whether an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol contributes to a reduced length of stay without an increase in postoperative complications for patients undergoing a DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The effect of the ERAS protocol was examined using a single-center patient-control study comparing two groups of patients. Patients who underwent surgery between November 2017 and November 2018 using the ERAS protocol were compared with a historical control group (pre-ERAS) who underwent surgery between November 2016 and November 2017. The primary outcome measure was hospital length of stay. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative pain and postoperative complications. 152 patients were included (ERAS group, n = 73; control group, n = 79). Mean hospital length of stay was significantly shorter in the ERAS group than in the control group (5 vs. 6 days, p