Application of Nursing Intervention Under the Guidance of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Patients Who Underwent Pulmonary Nodules Resection.

BACKGROUND: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has shown promise in improving postoperative outcomes, but its specific impact on pulmonary nodule resection has not been well explored. In this retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching, we evaluated the association between ERAS-guided care and postoperative outcomes after pulmonary nodule resection. METHODS: Patients undergoing pulmonary nodule resection were retrospectively enrolled, and 168 propensity score-matched patients were analyzed. The included patients were divided into the control group receiving conventional nursing care and the ERAS group receiving care guided by the ERAS protocol. Postoperative complications, stress response indicators, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as pulmonary function parameters, were evaluated. RESULTS: A significantly lower overall complication rate was observed in the ERAS group (5.9% vs 20.5%, p = 0.006) compared to the control group. Additionally, the ERAS group demonstrated a shorter postoperative drainage duration, shorter tracheal extubation time, and a decreased length of stay. Postoperative pulmonary function, as assessed by Forced Vital Capacity (FVC%), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1%), and the FEV1/FVC ratio, was significantly improved in the ERAS group (FVC%: 76.92 ± 11.68 vs 70.57 ± 11.92, p < 0.001; FEV1%: 68.97 ± 9.44 vs 63.53 ± 9.66, p < 0.001), indicating superior recovery. Furthermore, serum CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the ERAS group at 48 h postoperatively (p < 0.001 for both), suggesting a reduced inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: ERAS protocols are associated with significantly improved postoperative recovery following pulmonary nodule resection, including reduced complications, enhanced pulmonary function recovery and decreased inflammatory markers.