Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery

This study compared an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) care program with conventional perioperative care in adults undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either ERAS care or usual care. The ERAS program included coordinated measures before, during, and after surgery aimed at supporting faster and safer recovery. The study evaluated whether ERAS could reduce the length of hospital stay and improve postoperative recovery. Other outcomes included early mobilization, return of bowel function and oral feeding, postoperative pain, complications and adverse events, removal of urinary catheters and drains, discontinuation of intravenous therapy, and selected laboratory measures. The study was conducted at the General Anticancer Oncology Hospital of Athens "Saint Savvas" in Greece.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older. * Diagnosis of colorectal cancer. * Scheduled to undergo surgical resection of the colorectal tumor. * Ability to understand and communicate in Greek. * Sufficient cognitive capacity to understand the study information, provide informed consent, and participate in the study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Current treatment for chronic pain. * Use of psychopharmacological medication as defined in the study protocol. * Acute or chronic renal disease. * Acute or chronic hepatic disease.