Implementation of Accelerated Recovery Protocols in Esophageal Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Esophagectomy is one of the most complex and risky surgical procedures in digestive surgery. The accelerated recovery protocol has demonstrated benefits in reducing complications and improving postoperative outcomes, although its implementation in esophageal surgery is challenging in many settings.

Objective: To evaluate the application and preliminary results of the accelerated recovery protocol in patients undergoing esophageal surgery.

Methods: A prospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted with ten patients who underwent esophagectomy between January 2023 and December 2024. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative measures were applied according to the accelerated recovery protocol, evaluating the degree of adherence and relationship with clinical evolution.

Results: The average age was 57.1 years, with a predominance of males (70%). The most commonly used surgical technique was transhiatal (60%). Overall adherence to the protocol was 64.5%, with higher compliance in the preoperative phase (73.7%). Fifty percent of patients had complications, the most frequent being cervical fistula. The mean adherence was higher in patients without complications (69.2%) compared to those with complications (59.2%). There was one death (10%).

Conclusions: The implementation of the accelerated recovery protocol in esophageal surgery was feasible and showed a trend toward better clinical outcomes in patients with higher adherence. The postoperative phase is the weakest link and should be prioritized in future institutional strategies.