Efficacy of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program for thoracic surgery in a developing country

Abstract Purpose Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a strategy used to improve perioperative outcomes and reduce complications. However, data on the efficacy of ERAS in thoracic surgery developing countries are limited. The current study aimed validate benefits among patients at single institution. Methods This was retrospective who underwent pulmonary resection Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between 2016 2020. To compare outcomes, were divided into pre-ERAS group (2016–2018) post-ERAS (2019–2020) using propensity score matching (1:2) with year 2019 as cutoff for introducing protocols our Results In total, 321 included analysis (pre-ERAS group, n = 74; 247). matching, 56 112 classified under pre- groups, respectively. had significantly lower pain scores than postoperative days 1, 2, 3, volume intraoperative blood loss. multivariable analysis, shorter chest tube duration (mean difference −1.62 days, 95% confidence interval −2.65 −0.31) length hospital stay −2.40 −4.45 −0.65) group. Conclusion use guidelines beneficial. Although no significant differences observed complication rate, intensive care unit stay, additional cost burden two duration, stays, operative time, score,