Framework, component, and implementation of enhanced recovery pathways

Chao-Ying Kowa; Zhaosheng Jin; Tong J Gan

doi:10.1007/s00540-022-03088-x

Framework, component, and implementation of enhanced recovery pathways

J Anesth. 2022 Oct;36(5):648-660. doi: 10.1007/s00540-022-03088-x. Epub 2022 Jul 5.

Authors

Chao-Ying Kowa¹, Zhaosheng Jin², Tong J Gan³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Anaesthesia, Whittington Hospital, Magdala Ave, London, N19 5NF, UK.
² Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Health Science Center, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8480, USA.
³ Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Health Science Center, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8480, USA. Tong.Gan@stonybrookmedicine.edu.

Abstract

The introduction of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) has led to a considerable paradigm shift towards evidence-based, multidisciplinary perioperative care. Such pathways are now widely implemented in a variety of surgical specialties, with largely positive results. In this narrative review, we summarize the principles, components and implementation of ERPs, focusing on recent developments in the field. We also discuss 'special cases' in ERPs, including: surgery in frail patients; emergency procedures; and patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19).

Keywords: COVID-19; Enhanced recovery after surgery; Frailty; Perioperative care.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

COVID-19*
Humans
Perioperative Care / methods
SARS-CoV-2*