Cost-effectiveness of enhanced recovery for colorectal patients

Editor's Note

Enhanced recovery pathways are cost-effective compared with conventional perioperative management of colorectal patients, this study finds.

Of 180 patients analyzed, mean length of stay was shorter (6.5 vs 9.8 days), return to work was quicker, and there was less care giver burden in the enhanced recovery group.

The cost of the enhanced recovery program was $153 per patient, for a greater than 99% probability of cost-effectiveness. 

Objective: To determine the cost-effectiveness of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) versus conventional care for patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Background: ERPs for colorectal surgery are clinically effective, but their cost-effectiveness is unknown. Methods: A multi-institutional prospective cohort cost-effectiveness analysis was performed. Adult patients undergoing elective colorectal resection at 2 university-affiliated institutions from October 2012 to October 2013 were enrolled.