ERAS

ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) is a protocol for surgical care designed to achieve early recovery for patients undergoing major surgery. The protocol aims to achieve early recovery by maintaining preoperative organ function and reducing the profound stress response following surgery. The key elements of ERAS protocols include preoperative counseling, optimization of nutrition, standardized analgesic and anesthetic regimens, and early mobilization.

History

The concept of ERAS was first introduced by Danish surgeon Henrik Kehlet in the 1990s. Kehlet's work demonstrated that the body's response to surgical stress could be ameliorated by combining various methods that individually had been shown to improve recovery. This led to the development of the ERAS protocol, which has been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital stay.

Components

ERAS protocols are made up of various components, each of which contributes to the overall goal of enhanced recovery. These components include:

• Preoperative counseling: This involves educating the patient about what to expect before, during, and after surgery. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve patient satisfaction.

• Optimization of nutrition: Malnutrition has been associated with poor surgical outcomes. ERAS protocols therefore include nutritional screening and optimization before surgery.

• Standardized analgesic and anesthetic regimens: ERAS protocols include the use of multimodal analgesia to control pain and minimize opioid use. They also include the use of regional anesthesia techniques to reduce the need for general anesthesia.

• Early mobilization: Early mobilization after surgery has been shown to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.

Benefits

ERAS protocols have been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital stay. They have also been associated with a reduction in complications and readmissions.

See also

• Henrik Kehlet
• Surgery
• Anesthesia
• Analgesia
• Nutrition