Our Summary

This study aimed to understand if a new approach to recovery after stomach cancer surgery, called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), is safe and effective for patients over 80 years old. Researchers looked back at the records of all patients older than 80 who had elective stomach cancer surgery at a single medical center between 2010 and 2021. They divided the patients into two groups: those treated before the ERAS protocol was implemented in 2016 (Group A), and those treated after (Group B).

They found that the patients in Group B, who were treated with ERAS, had a shorter hospital stay (an average of 5 days compared to 10 days). Also, more people in Group B were discharged by the third day after surgery. There was no notable difference between the two groups in terms of complications after surgery or the need to be readmitted to the hospital.

The conclusion is that ERAS is a safe approach that can reduce the hospital stay for patients over 80 years old who have stomach cancer surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach in relation to stomach cancer surgery?
  2. Was there any difference in complication rates or the need for hospital readmission between the two groups studied?
  3. How does the ERAS approach affect the length of hospital stay for patients over 80 who have undergone stomach cancer surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about gastrectomy is to follow the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, as it can help promote a quicker recovery and reduce the length of hospital stay. This may include early mobilization, proper pain management, and early oral intake. It is important to discuss with your healthcare team about implementing ERAS for your surgery to optimize your recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for gastrectomy include those with stomach cancer, gastric ulcers, severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or other conditions that affect the stomach. In this study, specifically, patients over 80 years old who had elective stomach cancer surgery were included in the analysis.

Timeline

Before gastrectomy:

  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations, including imaging tests and blood work
  • Patient may undergo neoadjuvant therapy (chemotherapy or radiation) before surgery
  • Patient discusses surgery options and risks with their healthcare team
  • Patient follows a preoperative diet and instructions to prepare for surgery

After gastrectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the stomach
  • Patient is closely monitored in the hospital postoperatively for complications
  • Patient may be placed on a liquid diet initially and gradually progress to solid foods
  • Patient receives pain management and physical therapy to aid in recovery
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital once stable and continues to follow up with their healthcare team for postoperative care and monitoring.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and how does it differ from traditional recovery methods following gastrectomy?
  2. Are there any specific precautions or considerations for patients over 80 years old undergoing gastrectomy?
  3. What are the potential benefits of implementing ERAS for older patients undergoing stomach cancer surgery?
  4. How will ERAS impact my recovery process and post-operative care plan?
  5. Are there any specific steps or protocols that I need to follow before and after the surgery to optimize the benefits of ERAS?
  6. What are the potential risks or complications associated with ERAS for older patients undergoing gastrectomy?
  7. How will my pain management be handled differently with the ERAS protocol compared to traditional methods?
  8. Will there be any changes to my diet or activity level during the recovery period with ERAS?
  9. How will my healthcare team monitor my progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly with ERAS?
  10. Are there any additional resources or support services available to help me navigate the recovery process with ERAS?

Reference

Authors: Tankel J, Sticca G, Kammili A, Dehghani M, Sakalla R, Ahmed N, Meng A, Najmeh S, Spicer J, Cools-Lartigue J, Ferri L, Mueller C. Journal: J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2024 Jun;34(6):484-489. doi: 10.1089/lap.2024.0058. Epub 2024 May 21. PMID: 38770682