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Postoperative Complications After Colorectal Surgery: Where Are We in the Era of Enhanced Recovery?

  • Large Intestine (R Chokshi, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Individual elements in enhanced recovery pathways may be associated with specific complication risks. In this review, we highlight three areas of controversy surrounding complications in enhanced recovery: (1) whether enhanced recovery is associated with increased rates of acute kidney injury, (2) whether NSAID use is associated with anastomotic leaks, and (3) whether early urinary catheter removal is justified following colorectal surgery.

Recent Findings

Acute kidney injury has been reported at several institutions following implementation of enhanced recovery pathways highlighting the importance of institutional data tracking. NSAID use has been implicated in anastomotic leak rates for non-elective colorectal procedures, and criteria for its use should be implemented. Early urinary catheter removal has been supported despite increased urinary retention rates in order to decrease urinary tract infections.

Summary

Enhanced recovery protocols will continue to evolve, and risk profiles associated with individual elements should continue to be evaluated.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Robert H. Hollis

  2. Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Gregory D. Kennedy

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  1. Robert H. Hollis
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Correspondence to Gregory D. Kennedy.

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Hollis, R.H., Kennedy, G.D. Postoperative Complications After Colorectal Surgery: Where Are We in the Era of Enhanced Recovery?. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 22, 26 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-020-00763-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-020-00763-5

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