Optimizing ERAS protocols in robotic nephron-sparing surgery: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of evidence-based Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) nursing protocols in patients undergoing robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy using the Da Vinci system.

METHODS

A total of 240 patients undergoing Da Vinci robot-assisted partial nephrectomy were randomized (1:1) to ERAS (n = 120) or conventional care (n = 120) groups using a stratified block randomization method. The sample size was calculated based on a power of 80%, α = 0.05, and anticipated clinically significant differences, though specific values for the standard deviation and effect size were not disclosed. Primary outcomes included operative time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes assessed complication rates (Clavien-Dindo classification) and patient-reported comfort (Kolcaba GCQ questionnaire). Categorical variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test, while continuous variables were assessed with the independent samples t-test. Bonferroni correction was applied for pairwise comparisons to control for multiple testing. All analyses adhered to the modified intention-to-treat principle using the full analysis set (FAS), and no imputation was made for missing data. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The ERAS group demonstrated superior recovery metrics compared to the control group: operative duration (228.6 ± 9.5 vs. 252.8 ± 10.1 min, mean difference [MD] - 24.2, 95% CI -27.3, -21.1; p < 0.001), intraoperative blood loss (200.4 ± 18.2 vs. 232.6 ± 19.3 mL, MD - 32.2, 95% CI -36.8, -27.6; p < 0.001), and shorter postoperative milestones (ambulation: 14.3 ± 1.7 vs. 18.7 ± 2.2 h, p < 0.001; catheter removal: 2.1 vs. 3.5 days, p < 0.001). Hospital stay was significantly reduced (6.2 ± 2.1 vs. 10.5 ± 3.3 days, MD - 4.3, 95% CI -5.0, -3.6; p < 0.001). Complication rates were markedly lower with ERAS (14.2% vs. 39.2%, relative risk [RR] 0.36, 95% CI 0.24-0.55; p < 0.001), particularly for urinary infections (3.3% vs. 11.7%, p = 0.027) and wound hematomas (5.0% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.025). GCQ scores improved significantly in the ERAS group post-intervention (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ERAS nursing grounded in evidence-based medicine significantly enhances postoperative recovery, reduces complications, and improves patient comfort in robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy. These findings support its broader clinical adoption.