ERAS

Enhanced recovery is an evidence-based approach that helps people recover more quickly after having major surgery. Few hospitals have enhanced recovery programmes in place, and it’s now seen as standard practice following surgery for many procedures. Enhanced recovery is sometimes referred to as Fast track, rapid or accelerated recovery. It aims to ensure that patients: Having an operation can be both physically and emotionally stressful. Enhanced recovery programmes try to get you back to full health as quickly as possible. Research has shown that the earlier a person gets out of bed and starts walking, eating and drinking after having an operation, the shorter their recovery time will be. Who can benefit from enhanced recovery? Some of the principles of enhanced recovery can be applied to all cases of surgery. However, for some conditions and procedures, specially designed pathways help patients benefit from the principles more effectively. Types of surgery and conditions where enhanced recovery programmes are currently used in orthopaedics include: The Enhanced Recovery Programe If you need to have an operation, ask your Specialist if he offers Enhanced Recovery After Surgery. To enhance your recovery from surgery, it’s important that you play an active role in your own care. Important points to consider before your operation include: My team will give you advice about getting into the best possible shape before having surgery. They’ll also identify and try to stabilise any health conditions you have that may affect the operation. In hospital, my team will advise you about what you can do to help make your recovery easier. This may include: Where possible, techniques that will help with your recovery may also be recommended, such as using minimally invasive surgery (keyhole surgery), local or regional anaesthesia, and minimal use of drains and nasogastric tubes. After surgery, you’ll mobilised with physiotherapy on the same day. This will help speed up your recovery and enable you to be discharged from hospital as soon as possible. Depending on your operation, you may be able to go home sooner than usually expected. It’s therefore important to plan and prepare for your return home before going into hospital. What are Benefits of ERAS?