Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program for colorectal surgery

An Analysis of the Impact of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery System for Colorectal Surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

University of Arkansas · NCT02997293

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 typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Arkansas (other)
Locations1 site (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Trial IDNCT02997293 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Little Rock, Arkansas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: ColoRectal Cancer and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.