Improved Postoperative Outcomes with ERAS Nursing in Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy

Overview

This meta-analysis of 26 studies involving 2,361 patients demonstrates that enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nursing significantly accelerates postoperative recovery and reduces complications following laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cancer. ERAS care shortened times to key recovery milestones and hospital stay, while improving patient satisfaction compared to traditional perioperative care.

Background

Renal cell carcinoma is a common and increasingly prevalent malignancy with significant mortality, often requiring surgical intervention. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is the standard surgical approach, offering reduced complications and faster recovery. ERAS protocols, integrating multidisciplinary perioperative optimization, aim to minimize surgical stress and promote rapid recovery. Although ERAS is well established in other surgical fields, its application in adult urological surgery, particularly nephrectomy, is still evolving and requires further evidence.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• ERAS nursing significantly reduces time to first anal exhaust, feeding, urination, and defecation after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.
• Patients receiving ERAS care experience earlier removal of catheters and drainage tubes and earlier mobilization.
• ERAS protocols shorten postoperative hospital stay compared to traditional perioperative care.
• The overall incidence of postoperative complications is lower in patients managed with ERAS nursing.
• Patient satisfaction scores are higher with ERAS care, reflecting improved recovery experience.
• Cumulative meta-analysis supports the robustness and evolving evidence base for ERAS benefits in this surgical population.

Clinical Implications

Implementing ERAS nursing protocols in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy can enhance recovery speed, reduce complications, and improve patient satisfaction. Clinicians should consider integrating multidisciplinary perioperative optimization strategies to minimize surgical stress and facilitate earlier mobilization and discharge. Continued refinement and high-quality research are needed to standardize ERAS protocols in urological surgery.

Conclusion

ERAS nursing care markedly improves postoperative recovery and reduces complications in laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cancer. These findings support broader adoption of ERAS protocols to optimize surgical outcomes, though further high-quality studies are warranted to confirm these benefits.

References

1. PROSPERO CRD420251159414 -- Systematic Review Registration