Table 3

Post-operative components of ERAS guidelines for laparotomy

ERAS institution n=186Non-ERAS institution n=103P values
Nasogastric intubation post-operatively
 Small bowel resection57 (31)37 (36)0.36
 Large bowel resection19 (10)15 (15)0.34
 Splenectomy10 (5)8 (8)0.45
 Ligation of short gastric vessels61 (33)46 (45)0.06
 Never used68 (37)32 (31)0.37
Post-operative deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis
 Yes182 (98)99 (96)0.25
 No4 (2)2 (2)
 No response0 (0)2 (2)
Post-operative deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis for benign pathology
 Only during hospital stay171 (92)93 (90)0.511
 <1 month7 (4)3 (3)
 =1 month1 (1)3 (3)
 >1 month1 (1)0 (0)
 Not sure/no response6 (3)4 (4)
Post-operative deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis for cancerous pathology
 Only during hospital stay14 (8)23 (22)0.003
 <1 month34 (18)13 (13)
 =1 month128 (69)57 (55)
 >1 month6 (3)6 (6)
 Not sure/no response4 (2)4 (4)
Termination of intravenous fluids
 <12 hours after surgery27 (14)6 (6)0.001
 12–24 hours71 (38)29 (28)
 >24 hours8 (4)15 (15)
 When tolerating liquid80 (43)52 (50)
 No response0 (0)1 (1)
Initiation of regular diet
 <24 hours134 (72)60 (58)0.08
 24–48 hours44 (24)34 (33)
 >48 hours6 (3)7 (7)
 No response2 (1)2 (2)
Urinary catheter discontinuation
 <24 hours143 (77)73 (71)0.43
 >24 hours24 (13)19 (18)
 No response19 (10)11 (11)
Mobilization
 Day of surgery125 (67)59 (57)0.18
 Post-operative day 1 or after60 (32)43 (42)
 No response1 (1)1 (1)
Use of a bowel regimen to hasten return of bowel function
 Yes124 (67)59 (57)0.23
 No61 (33)43 (42)
 No response1 (1)1 (1)

  • Association of postoperative components of ERAS guidelines for laparotomy with institution type.

  • ERAS, enhanced recovery after surgery.