Comparative Study between Outcomes of Traditional Care vs. ERAS-Based Care in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a commonly performed surgery in India. Although ERAS protocols are well- established in colorectal surgery, their role in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still under evaluation. This study aims to compare clinical outcomes between ERAS-based care and traditional perioperative care in these patients.  Methods This prospective observational study enrolled 200 adult patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A received standard perioperative care, while Group B was managed according to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. The study evaluated outcomes such as hospital stay duration, opioid usage, postoperative complications, pain scores, and readmission rates. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with a p-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.  Conclusions ERAS protocols have been shown to enhance outcomes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy by reducing hospital stay, minimizing opioid requirements, and lowering the incidence of postoperative complications. The findings support wider implementation of ERAS to enhance surgical recovery and healthcare efficiency.