Revolutionizing Surgical Care: The Power of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

Cureus. 2023 Nov 14;15(11):e48795. doi: 10.7759/cureus.48795. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Abstract

The development of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has brought about substantial transformations in perioperative care, substituting conventional methods with a patient-centric, evidence-based strategy. ERAS protocol adopts a holistic approach to patient care, which includes all stages preceding, during, and following the operation. These programs prioritize patient-specific therapies that are tailored to their specific requirements. Nutritional assessment and enhancement, patient education, minimally invasive procedures, and multimodal pain management are all fundamental components of ERAS. ERAS provides a multitude of advantages, including diminished postoperative complications, abbreviated hospital stays, heightened patient satisfaction, and healthcare cost reductions. This article examines the foundational tenets of ERAS, their incorporation into the field of general surgery, their suitability for diverse surgical specialties, the obstacles faced during implementation, and possible directions for further investigation, such as the integration of digital health technologies, personalized patient care, and the long-term viability of ERAS protocols.

Keywords: enhanced recovery after surgery (eras); eras protocol; multimodal pain management; patient-centered approach; perioperative care.

Publication types

  • Review