Anestéziológia a intenzívna medicína 1-2/2025
Economic benefits of implementing an ERAS program: evidence from the literature and data from the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Slovak Medical University and University Hospital Bratislava – Ružinov
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) comprises evidence-based perioperative protocols designed to optimize postoperative recovery. In addition to its clinical benefits, ERAS is increasingly evaluated from an economic perspective, particularly its effects on length of stay, intensive-care utilization, and treatment costs. Based on an analysis of published evidence—including before–after comparisons of ERAS implementation at selected centres—we show that ERAS offers substantial savings potential while simultaneously improving clinical outcomes and accelerating recovery. The thoracic-surgery data summarize experience with the stepwise introduction of key ERAS elements and compare minimally invasive and open approaches in terms of length of stay, costs, and DRG reimbursements. The results indicate shorter hospitalization, reduced resource use, and lower direct costs without compromising safety or quality of care. Finally, we formulate recommendations for further development and wider adoption of ERAS in Slovak healthcare settings, with an emphasis on sustainability, measurable indicators, and continuous improvement.
Keywords: ERAS, economics, length of stay, hospital costs, thoracic surgery
