Comparison of Outcomes between Obese and Non-Obese Patients in a Colorectal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program: A Single-Center Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Obese patients are considered at increased risk of postoperative adverse events after colorectal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to compare postoperative outcomes between obese and non-obese patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort including patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery and were included in an ERAS protocol between February 2014 and December 2017 at Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland, was performed. Postoperative outcomes of obese and non-obese patients were compared.

RESULTS: Data of 460 patients were analyzed, including 374 (81%) non-obese and 86 (19%) obese patients. Overall, there was no difference in postoperative outcomes between the 2 groups. Among patients undergoing oncologic surgery, obese subjects had a significantly higher rate of conversion to laparotomy (11.9 vs. 2.1%, p = 0.01) and longer time until return of bowel function (2.38 vs. 1.98 days, p = 0.03), without increased morbidity or longer length of stay.

CONCLUSION: Obese and non-obese patients had similar postoperative outcomes after elective colorectal surgery with ERAS management. ERAS can potentially reduce the increased morbidity usually observed in obese patients following elective colorectal surgery.