Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Pathway for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals Undergoing Chest Reconstruction Surgery: An Observational Cohort Study

Abstract

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are associated with improved clinical outcomes in cisgender breast surgery patients. However, a paucity of research exists regarding transgender and gender-diverse individuals (TGD) in the ERAS framework. The primary objective of this observational cohort study is to describe the implementation of a gender-affirming ERAS protocol and its relationship to hospital length of stay (LOS) in TGD patients following chest reconstruction surgery. The secondary aim is to identify intraoperative predictors of LOS and define variables associated with adverse outcomes. We identified 362 patients in three epochs: a traditional group (n = 144), a partial ERAS implementation group (n = 92), and an ERAS group (n = 126). Exploratory multivariable median regression modeling was performed to identify independent predictors of LOS. We report that the traditional group's median hospital LOS was 1.1 days compared to 0.3 days in the ERAS group. Intraoperative tranexamic acid administration was associated with significantly shorter LOS (p < 0.001), reduced postoperative drainage (p < 0.001), and fewer returns to the operating room within 24 h (p = 0.047). Our data suggest that implementing a multimodal ERAS gender-affirming pathway was associated with improved patient-centered surgical outcomes such as decreased return to the operating room for hematoma evacuation, higher rates of discharge home, and reduced postoperative drainage output.

Keywords: enhanced recovery after surgery; gender-affirming chest reconstruction surgery; transgender.

Figure 1

Highlights of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathway.