ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Enhanced recovery pathway (ERP) refers to extensive multidisciplinary, evidence-based pathways used to facilitate recovery after surgery. The authors assessed the impact that limited ERP protocols had on outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at their institution. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: This study was a single-institution study conducted at a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing open adult cardiac surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Enhanced recovery pathways limited to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of pain, atrial fibrillation prevention, and nutrition optimization were implemented. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1,058 patients were included in this study. There were 374 patients in each pre- and post-ERP cohort after propensity matching, with no significant baseline differences between the 2 cohorts. Compared to the matched patients in the pre-ERP group, patients in the post-ERP group had decreased total ventilation hours (6.8 v 7.8, p = 0.006), less use of postoperative opioid analgesics as determined by total morphine milligram equivalent (32.5 v 47.5, p < 0.001), and a decreased rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation (23.3% v 30.5%, p = 0.032). Post-ERP patients also experienced less subjective pain and postoperative nausea and drowsiness as compared to their matched pre-ERP cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Limited ERP implementation resulted in significantly improved perioperative outcomes. Patients additionally experienced less postoperative pain despite decreased opioid use. Implementation of ERP, even in a limited format, is a promising approach to improving outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
