Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has garnered global attention for optimizing perioperative care. It holds significant potential for orthopedic hip surgery, especially in elderly patients requiring rehabilitation. However, large-scale studies or meta-analyses specific to this field remain limited. METHODS: A systematic search was performed using Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for studies assessing the effects of the ERAS protocol in hip surgery up to August 13, 2024. A double-arm meta-analysis was designed to compare perioperative outcomes, including postoperative pain scores, transfusion rates, medical and surgical complications, and length of hospital stay, between ERAS and control groups. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies were systematically reviewed, and 13 were included in the pooled analysis, comprising 1,004 patients in the ERAS group and 1,159 in the control group. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that the ERAS protocol significantly improved postoperative pain management, reduced blood transfusion requirements, decreased medical complications, and shortened hospital stays compared to standard protocols. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis supports the hypothesis that the ERAS protocol enhances perioperative outcomes in orthopedic hip surgery.