Abstract
Introduction
Accurate models are a fundamental prognostic tool for risk stratification, therapy guidance, resource allocation, and comparative effectiveness research. Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols are developed to increase early post-operative recovery rates in surgical patients. Due to the unique nature of burn injuries and post-operative care, there is a need to develop a protocol unique to burn surgery, enhanced recovery after burn surgery.
Methods
The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) and Cochrane guidelines were strictly followed throughout the study. Search terms were utilized to capture the relevant studies relating to early ambulation of adult burn patients (>18 years of age) and their post-surgical outcomes such as graft take, time to discharge, pain levels, VTEs, and length-of-stay.
Results
Thirteen of 888 studies retrieved from the search query were eligible for systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients with delayed ambulation, after 5 or more days were found to have increased pain levels at rest (p=0.02) and when ambulating (p=0.08). One study found an increased infection rate in late ambulatory patients (p=0.22). Most results from studies did not have significant data that was relevant to our extraction. For example, only one study assessed pain levels and only three studies notes zero venous thromboembolisms (without statistical significance).
Conclusions
Limited evidence exists relating to thromboembolic events and time-to-ambulation in post-operative burn patients. There are no significant differences in the number of events between early and late ambulation groups. Early ambulation should be included as part of the ERABS protocol for lower risks of hospital-acquired infections due to shorter lengths-of-stay. Decreased associated pain levels could lead to decreased risk for opioid dependence. Due to limited literature references, these conclusions are immature and more studies should be performed in order to develop more accurate and effective protocols.
Applicability of Research to Practice
Burn surgery recovery patients are unique. Therefore, specialized protocols must be developed to enhance their post-operative care.
A systematic review of enhanced recovery protocols in colorectal surgery
