Background: Improved retrieval after surgery (ERAS) protocols are intended to improve postoperative outcomes. Objectives: To compare postoperative recovery times, complication rates and potential health outcomes of patients to determine the most beneficial ERAS components in contexts involving emergency surgery. Methods: Extensive searches were performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library through August 2023. Seven RCTs, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, were chosen, and data for key outcomes were extracted. The Cochrane Risk of Bias instrument was used to evaluate the quality of studies. Random-effects models computed effect pooling estimates. Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4 and STATA version 16.0 were utilized for analyses. Results: Included were seven studies covering the variety of ERAS components and outcomes. In general, ERAS protocols demonstrated quicker postoperative recovery times than conventional care. The success or adherence rates of studies varied. Significant heterogeneity required subgroup analyses in order to identify possible sources. Conclusion: When adequately adapted and implemented, ERAS protocols reduce postoperative recovery times for emergency colorectal surgeries. Nevertheless, variable success rates across studies demonstrated the need for careful consideration and additional research into optimizing and standardizing ERAS protocols for holistic benefits.
Keywords: Conventional Care; Emergency Colorectal Surgery; Enhanced Recovery After Surgery; ERAS; Meta-analysis.