Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based approach to help patients recover more quickly after surgery, reduce use of opioids for pain control, and deliver positive patient experiences and outcomes.
The ERAS process involves every phase of surgery: pre-operative care, intraoperative care and post-operative care. The program includes making sure patients understand the process prior to surgery, to help establish their expectations and comfort with the program. While having an operation can be both physically and emotionally stressful, the ERAS program is designed to get patients back to full recovery as quickly as possible.
ERAS is currently available for:
- Bariatric Surgery
- Colon surgery
- Gynecological surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
ERAS moves away from the traditional practice of no food or drink the night before surgery. Depending on the type of surgery, ERAS utilizes an altered diet to optimize bowel recovery and clear fluid intake up to two hours before surgery, along with carbohydrate/sugar-containing hydration solutions. This allows patients to be more satisfied and better-hydrated prior to surgery.
Pain management is started upon admission to the pre-surgical unit. The team uses alternative options for medications other than opiates.
Our team works to ensure patients achieve adequate pain control to allow you to get up and moving as soon as possible.
Before you leave the hospital, your physician and nurse will go over discharge instructions with you to ensure a successful transition to home.