Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ERAS (enhanced recovery after surgery) in intervening patients with ureteral calculi complicated with infection and its impact on quality of life. METHODOLOGY: This prospective study included 120 ureteral calculi patients with infection admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from September 2023 to December 2024. They were randomly divided into control and experimental groups (60 cases each). The control group received standard perioperative care, while the experimental group received ERAS in addition. The groups were compared for emotional status, clinical outcomes (calculus clearance, complications like hemorrhage, infection and abdominal effusion), recovery, quality of life and satisfaction. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significantly lower the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores than the control group post-intervention (P=0.00). Their calculus clearance rate was higher (P=0.03), while complication rates were lower (P=0.02). Postoperative recovery times (nephrostomy tube retention, diet recovery, first exsufflation, ambulation and hospitalization) were significantly shorter (P=0.00). The experimental group also had better KPS and SF-36 scores (P=0.00) and higher satisfaction (100% vs. 88%, P=0.00). CONCLUSION: ERAS is a safe, effective approach that reduces negative emotions and complications, improves calculus clearance, enhances quality of life, boosts satisfaction and accelerates recovery.