Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology: A Pilot Study

Study ObjectiveEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been successfully implemented in adult gynecology as well as adult and pediatric colorectal and urologic surgery with reduction in narcotic use, complications, return to the system (RTS), length of stay (LOS), and improved patient satisfaction. There are no studies evaluating the use of ERAS in pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG). The goals of this study are to present initial patient outcomes using ERAS in PAG patients undergoing intra-abdominal gynecologic surgery to prove efficacy, patient satisfaction, and decreased narcotic use.DesignAs a quality improvement measure in perioperative care, an ERAS protocol including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative components and a follow-up patient telephone call for pain assessment was implemented for all intra-abdominal gynecologic procedures. A retrospective study on implementation of ERAS components, outcomes, and patient satisfaction was then performed in participants meeting inclusion criteria.SettingLarge academic children's hospital.ParticipantsPatients <25 years of age who underwent laparoscopic (LSC) or open abdominal (XLAP) gynecologic surgery using an ERAS protocol by the PAG service over a 12-month period.InterventionsAn ERAS protocol including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative components and follow-up patient telephone call for pain assessment was implemented for all major gynecologic surgeries performed by the PAG service.Main Outcome MeasuresPatient satisfaction with the perioperative ERAS protocol along with components including pain management, narcotic use, LOS, RTS, and postoperative complications for various intra-abdominal gynecologic procedures.ResultsA total of 40 participants met inclusion criteria for the study. Thirty-four (85%) participants underwent LSC procedures and six (15%) underwent XLAP. Of the LSC patients, 95% were discharged on postoperative day 0, and all XLAP patients and one LSC patient were discharged on postoperative day 1. In all, 95% of patients were discharged from the hospital requiring only non-narcotic ERAS medications. There were no readmissions or postoperative complications. All patients were satisfied with their postoperative pain control at their follow-up telephone call and clinic visit.ConclusionImplementation of a pediatric-specific ERAS protocol in children and adolescents undergoing gynecologic surgery is feasible and safe, and leads to less narcotic use without an increase in complications or decrease in patient satisfaction.