Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on postoperative recovery after unilateral double-channel endoscopic lumbar disc fusion. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 128 patients undergoing surgery between May 2024 and May 2025. The patients were divided into a conventional group (n=68) and an ERAS group (n=60). Baseline data, intraoperative parameters, complications, pain scores, functional ability, and quality of life were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The ERAS group had significantly better intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, drainage time, bed rest, and length of hospital stay than the control group (P<0.05). Three days after surgery, the ERAS group had significantly lower limb and back Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and ODI (Oswestry disability index) than the control group (P<0.05). Three months after surgery, there was no statistically significant difference in fusion grade and excellent/good rate (P=0.595). The ERAS group had significantly better quality of life than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The ERAS protocol can promote postoperative recovery, alleviate early pain, and improve quality of life, which is worthy of clinical promotion.