Enhanced recovery after surgery for percutaneous CT-guided microwave ablation of lung tumors: A single-center retrospective cohort study

Background:The feasibility and safety of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for treating lung nodules remain unclear. Methods and Materials:A total of 409 patients with lung tumors treated at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from August 2020 to May 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative data, including baseline characteristics, operation time, postoperative pain score (visual analog scale [VAS]), hospitalization expenses, postoperative complications, total hospital stay, and patient satisfaction, were observed and recorded. Results:No perioperative mortality occurred in either group and complete ablation was achieved in all patients. Patients in the ERAS group had significantly shorter hospital stays (P < 0.001), reduced operation times (P = 0.047), lower hospitalization expenses (P < 0.001), lower VAS scores (P < 0.001), and fewer complications (P = 0.047) compared with the traditional group. Conclusions:ERAS for percutaneous CT-guided MWA (ERAA) is safe, effective, and feasible for the treatment of lung nodules.