Short-term outcome following postoperative enhanced recovery implementation in patients with perforated peptic ulcer

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the short-term outcome following postoperative enhanced recovery implementation in patients with perforated peptic ulcer. METHODS: Quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Thirty patients received postoperative enhanced recovery after open surgical repair of perforated peptic ulcer compared with control group who received routine care. Patient assessment sheet and gastrointestinal quality of life index were the tools used for data collection. RESULTS: The mean age was 40.43 ± 8.39 years for the study group and 39.53 ± 8.08 for the control group (56.7%, 70%), respectively, were males. The study group demonstrated early first bowel movement, flatus and stool passage (8.1 ± 1.16 (h), 12.6 ± 2.46 (h), and 2.47 ± 0.82 (days)), respectively, compared to control group (10 ± 1.11, 15.1 ± 2.04, and 3.57 ± 0.82). A significant reduction (6.93 ± 1.29 vs. 12.3 ± 4.96 (days)) and (30% vs. 60%) in hospital length of stay and postoperative complications among study group compared to control group (P < 0.01). The mean scores (56.17 ± 13.78 and 72.6 ± 11.89 vs. 34.33 ± 8.91and 53.43 ± 16.14) of gastrointestinal quality of life index were significantly better in study group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Improved gastrointestinal functional recovery, reduced postoperative complications, and improved quality of life, all were a result of implementing postoperative enhanced recovery among patients with perforated peptic ulcer. Trial Registration Number (TRN) -URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov . Unique identifier: NCT06570018 Date of registration July August 22, 2024.