Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program for colorectal surgery
Official title: An Analysis of the Impact of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery System for Colorectal Surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Run by University of Arkansas · NCT02997293 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tries the ERAS program to see if it shortens hospital stays and reduces pain, opioid use, nausea, and 30-day readmissions for adults having major colorectal surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Arkansas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2017 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02997293 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status 1–3 who underwent major colorectal surgery at UAMS during the specified pre- and post-implementation periods are the intended population.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under 18, those with ASA status greater than 3, or patients who had colorectal surgery outside UAMS or outside the study time windows would not be represented and may not benefit from these findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a retrospective observational comparison of patients who had major colorectal operations at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences before and after the June 2015 implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. Investigators will use de-identified medical records from January–December 2014 (pre-ERAS) and June 2015–November 2016 (post-ERAS) to compare outcomes. Key outcomes include hospital length of stay, postoperative narcotic consumption, Visual Analog Scale pain scores, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and 30-day readmission rates. Because the data are de-identified and retrospective, no new patient enrollment or interventions are required.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the ERAS program could shorten hospital stays and reduce opioid use, pain, nausea, and early readmissions after colorectal surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Numerous prior publications from major academic centers have reported that ERAS protocols reduce length of stay, readmissions, and opioid use, so this approach is well supported by existing evidence.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All men and women 18 years and older who underwent major colorectal surgery at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences between January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 and June 1, 2015 to November 30, 2016, and were American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status classification 1-3 at the time of surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification \> 3 and age \< 18.
Where it's running
-
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Greg Mehaffey, MD — University of Arkansas
- Study coordinator: Greg Mehaffey, MD
- Email: grmehaffey@uams.edu
- Phone: 5016867616
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.