Enhanced recovery protocols promote better outcomes after emergency laparotomy

A systematic review and meta-analysis of six randomized clinical trials involving 509 patients evaluated the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols following emergency laparotomy. Findings indicated that ERAS significantly reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting (odds ratio: 0.32), time to ambulation (mean difference: 1.67 days), length of stay (mean difference: -2.92 days), and various complications such as pulmonary issues and surgical site infections. The study recommends widespread use of ERAS in this context.