To explore the value of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in perioperative application of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for elderly patients, so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

A total of 96 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from December 2017 to December 2018 were enrolled. According to the perioperative treatment method, the patients were divided into observation group (ERAS treatment) and the control group (traditional treatment), 48 cases in each group. The general condition, intraoperative condition, and postoperative recovery, pain score, complications, inflammatory index, hospitalization were compared between the two groups.

There were no significant differences in the general clinical data, intraoperative condition, postoperative complications between the two groups. Compared to the control group, the postoperative recovery of patients in the ERAS group including the time of first drinking, the first time to get out of bed, anal exhaust time, urinary catheter removal time, fluid intake time, and drainage tube removal time were significantly lower (P<0.05). The VAS scores of the patients in the ERAS group were significantly lower at 6 h, 1 d, 3 d and 5 d after operation (P<0.05). Postoperative hospital stay and postoperative hospitalization costs were significantly lower (P<0.05).

The ERAS concept is safe and effective in the elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. It can promote postoperative rehabilitation, shorten patient stay, and reduce hospitalization costs without increasing postoperative complications. ERAS has a certain clinical promotion and application value.