RESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential beneficial effect of preoperative face-to-face group education after colonic surgery in a pre-existing ERAS pathway environment. METHODS: Patients were randomized to cohorts for 3 weeks to either the standard preoperative counseling by the colorectal surgeon and the nurse practitioner (control group) or to the additional group education (intervention group). Patients scored EORTC-QLQ-info25 after the preoperative information was completed and the EORTC-QLQ-30 and EORTC-QLQ-29 prior to surgery and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: A significantly better level of information was scored considering the expectations and patient involvement in the intervention group. This coincided with a significant reduction of the in-hospital stay, enhanced return to the preoperative global health status, and persistent improved body image after surgery. CONCLUSION: By investing in the preoperative group education patients develop more realistic expectations resulting in a perceived improved quality of life and body image 1 month after operation coinciding with a statistically significant reduction in duration of in-hospital stay in this study.
