Impact of neurosurgical enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on health-related quality of life in glioma patients: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Introduction A novel neurosurgical enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program shortens postoperative hospital stay and accelerates functional recovery in elective craniotomy patients. There is a need to evaluate the impact of ERAS program on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods In a single-center randomized controlled trial, patients were randomized 1:1 to receive perioperative ERAS or conventional care. As a secondary outcome, HRQOL was measured with the EORTC QLQ-C30/BN20 prior to randomization (baseline), at discharge, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Results A total of 65 patients (ERAS: n = 36, conventional care: n = 29) with pathologically confirmed glioma (WHO grade 2-4) were included in the analysis. Progression-free survival at 6 months and HRQOL at baseline were similar between the two groups. Changes of scores did not vary significantly over time, but differed significantly between intervention groups. A clinically relevant better QoL (at 3-month follow-up), physical functioning (at 6-month follow-up) and role functioning (at discharge) was observed in patients in the ERAS group. Symptom scores of constipation (at discharge), motor dysfunction (at discharge, 3- and 6-month follow-up), drowsiness (at 3- and 6-month follow-up), weakness of legs (at 3-month follow-up), and nausea/vomiting (at discharge and 6-month follow-up) were significantly lower in the ERAS group. Conclusions The neurosurgical ERAS program seems to improve functioning and symptoms scores in glioma patients within 6-month follow-up compared with conventional care. The intervention has a significant main effect HRQOL changes without significant interaction with time. Future well-powered multicenter studies are warranted to confirm this result and address long-term benefits.