• Xin Zhao, Da-Zhi Chen, Ren Lang, Zhong-Kui Jin, Hua Fan, Tian-Ming Wu, Xian-Liang Li, and Qiang He.
• Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatospleenic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
• Surg. Today. 2013 Jun 1; 43 (6): 643-7.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to establish enhanced recovery protocols for the management of mild gallstone pancreatitis.MethodsSixty consecutive patients were divided into enhanced recovery and traditional recovery (TR) groups in a randomized observational study. The basic enhanced recovery elements included early laparoscopic cholecystectomy, restrictive endoscopic intervention, and early oral nutrition. The incidence of complications, readmission, length of stay, and total medical cost were analyzed during the hospital course.ResultsThe length of hospital stay and medical cost were significantly lower in the enhanced recovery group in comparison to the TR group: 5.9 days vs. 10.6 days (P < 0.01) and ¥10,023 vs. ¥15,035 (P < 0.01). The complications and readmission rates in the two groups were similar.ConclusionsThe implementation of enhanced recovery protocols is feasible in the management of mild gallstone pancreatitis. The utilization of these protocols can achieve shorter hospital stays and reduced costs, with no increase in either the re-admission or peri-operative complication rates.

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