ERAS Protocols for Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objective Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are evidenced-based multidisciplinary programs implemented in the perioperative setting to improve postoperative recovery and attenuate the surgical stress response. However, evidence on their effectiveness in thyroid and parathyroid surgery remains sparse. Therefore, our goal was to investigate the clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of ERAS protocols for the perioperative management of thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Data Source A systematic review of Medline, Scopus, Embase, and gray literature was performed to identify studies of ERAS or clinical care protocols for thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Review Methods Two reviewers screened studies using predetermined inclusion criteria. Our primary outcomes included hospital length of stay and hospital costs. Readmission and postoperative complication rates composed our secondary outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed to compare outcomes for patients enrolled in the ERAS protocol versus standard of care. Results A total of 450 articles were identified; 7 (1.6%) met inclusion criteria with a total of 3082 patients. Perioperative components in ERAS protocols varied across the studies. Nevertheless, patients enrolled in ERAS protocols had reduced hospital length of stay (mean difference, –0.64 days [95% CI, −0.92 to −0.37]) and hospital costs (in US dollars; mean difference, –307.70 [95% CI, −346.49 to −268.90]), without an increase in readmission (odds ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.29-1.94]) or complication rates (odds ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.82-1.57]). Conclusion There is growing literature supporting the role of ERAS protocols for the perioperative management of thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. These protocols significantly reduce hospital length of stay and costs without increasing complications or readmission rates.